[dpm_jk_2007]

First things first. I am new to all this.

My question is about lockers. Now I think I understand about diff. lockers and what they do. But what do locking hubs do?

Mine is a 07 Wrangler Unlimited X 4x4. I obviously know that I do not have a locking diff on my model and have looked into a few different ones, but do they have locking hubs now? Is that even an option? But more important I want to understand what they do in the grand scheme of 4x4 and traction.

I have searched this forum but can't find the answer I am looking for.

Thank you in advance for any help with this.

 

[igofshn]

Locking hubs lock and unlock the hub. They allow you to disconnect the hub and free spin. They do not provide extra traction.

 

[dpm_jk_2007]

So what you are saying is if you "unlock" all 4 hubs. And go to drive you would go nowhere? Your axles would spin and not turn the wheel?

 

[PhilD]

So what you are saying is if you "unlock" all 4 hubs. And go to drive you would go nowhere? Your axles would spin and not turn the wheel?

Correct, but you usually only have locking hubs on the front, so when the t-case is in 2WD, the front diff and driveshaft are not turning.

 

[BigO]

A vehicle with locking hubs willl have the hubs on the front axle only. A friend of mine had an old Toyata pickup with locking hubs. He kept them unlocked most of the time, and when he needed to shift in to 4WD he would have to get out and lock the hubs first. The newer Jeeps do not come with locking hubs.

 

[b1pig]

not sure if Warn still makes them... but they had a full floating axle conversion for the D35 and D44 rear axles. I heard of some people having issues with the spindles though.

Like Big O said. no Wrangler has had factory locking hubs. I think the CJ and maybe the Full Size Wagoneer were the last with locking hubs. you can get conversion kits, but I wouldnt get em. they introduce another weakness in to your driveline.

 

[dpm_jk_2007]

Thanks guys. I understand now.

 

[shaggyjim]

Solid has a JK locking hub conversion out now. It looks good but $1300 is abit much. (IMO):shaking:

 

[dpm_jk_2007]

But from what they said above it really makes no sense because they are allready locked. Right? By purchasing that Solid kit you really would only be purchasing the ability to "unlock" them.
Which brings up a question I would have about that.
When exactly would you want to "unlock" the front hubs?

 

[PhilD]

When exactly would you want to "unlock" the front hubs?

If you unlock the hubs, then the R&P will stop turning when you are 2WD. This may (or may not): improve your mpg, result in less wear on the front drive train, and be quieter. There is also the "fuse" theory, that the hub will be the first thing to break and is easier to fix on the trail.

All that said, I'm not rushing out to put in some locking hubs anytime soon.

 

[Steve-UK]

I put the front FWHs on my TJ not long after I got it, as I had a long road trip to do (2000 miles) I did get around 3 miles extra to the gallon and with our gas prices over here every little helps. The only thing about the Solid conversion is it changes the stud pattern to 5 on 5.5

 

[igofshn]

I put the front FWHs on my TJ not long after I got it, as I had a long road trip to do (2000 miles) I did get around 3 miles extra to the gallon and with our gas prices over here every little helps. The only thing about the Solid conversion is it changes the stud pattern to 5 on 5.5

I would say your "road trip" was the reason for higher mpg. Everyone I know of that did the conversion on their TJ's didn't see any increase in mpg's.

 

[Steve-UK]

No I did keep checks on the fuel consumption before and after, and I did get better mileage.

 

[dpm_jk_2007]

If you unlock the hubs, then the R&P will stop turning when you are 2WD. This may (or may not): improve your mpg, result in less wear on the front drive train, and be quieter. There is also the "fuse" theory, that the hub will be the first thing to break and is easier to fix on the trail.

All that said, I'm not rushing out to put in some locking hubs anytime soon.

Thanks for answering these probably silly questions PhilD but I think I get it now........

So when I am in 2WD now on my JK, my front Ring & Pinion ARE moving? And the only thing that is making them turn is the movement of the wheel on the road? And by unlocking the hub AT the wheel it just disengages the axle back to the R&P?

 

[PhilD]

Thanks for answering these probably silly questions PhilD but I think I get it now........

No qyestion is silly, only the one that isn't asked

So when I am in 2WD now on my JK, my front Ring & Pinion ARE moving? And the only thing that is making them turn is the movement of the wheel on the road? And by unlocking the hub AT the wheel it just disengages the axle back to the R&P?

You got it

 

[dpm_jk_2007]

Thanks again for the info. I am really getting into learning about how the mechanics of a 4x4 system work. Very new to it all. I got the Jeep to take me places my other vehicles never could. And the more I go to these places the more I want to improve the ride/quality of my vehicle. But I am trying to understand where and what to upgrade and why. The info here on these pages have been invaluable to my research and learning! Thanks, and I owe you all a :beer: