Rebuild Auto Hubs or Replace with Manual?

[Old60Driver]

In my 83 K20, it feels like I'm getting some significant drag when I let off the gas at any speed above 45 mph. I've confirmed that the transfer case is not in anything other than 2H, but when I try to turn the transfer case driveshaft, it feels 'notchy'. I've double checked the brakes, and all is good there. I'm going to be looking into the hubs this weekend. She's only got about 56K on her, but I doubt they've ever been serviced. Should I just rebuild (service) the existing auto hubs, or just bite the bullet and grab a set of Warns? I'd like to keep her as stock as possible, but I don't want any trouble out of them either.
I'm not planning on using her as a rock climber either. Just the occasional use at the beach or through the woods to the camp grounds on rare occasion.

What do y'all think?

Thanks!

 

[Goldie Driver]

The only experience I had with auto lockers was on my 91 Burb, and I never noticed any issues. Nor the guy that had it after me that probably used 4wd more than I did.

He used it as a Scouting camping vehicle.

It is also easier to take out for access to the wheel bearings than a manual locking hub like on Goldie.

Not sure about rebuilding an auto, and if you determine they are bad or would probably be cheaper to replace with a manual hub.

But, that is only a theory- never priced them.

Best of luck !

 

[Craig 85]

I like manual hubs over the auto hubs. You know for a fact they are locked in. My K30 had the plastic Warn hubs from the factory, but I switched them to the premium metal versions.

If you want the OEM look, Warn still makes the plastic knob style of hubs. They're about $114.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/warn-standard-manual-hub-kit-chrome-9790/_/R-BCSQ-9790

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[yevgenievich]

I have a spare of auto hubs. For my purposes preferred them instead of manual

 

[Blue Ox]

I've had my auto hubs apart many times for maintenance and I'm very pleased with them. If you're not doing more than mild off-roading they're fine. If you're more serious they have some drawbacks. The only time I've ever had problems with them was when I used a high-temp grease that was too thick in the cold and would make them stick. If you're hearing clicking or buzzing noises you should look into them of they will self-destruct. And it's not too good for your differential either. One way to see if something is engaged is to have someone look under the truck while it's rolling and see if the front driveshaft is turning.

 

[Bextreme04]

Mine has manuals... autos are nice but you need to make sure that they are properly maintained as others have said.

 

[Doppleganger]

Not to hijack or deter from the OP's question.....but is there any kind of 'front hubs for dummies' video or articles out there? Mine are manual. When I pulled them apart the grease looked like anti-seize and smelled like ass. There were rings missing from one side to the other, and the couple of times I messed with them before disassembly, I could never get them to work. The PO had a new set of the metal Warns in a box of parts, so kind of hints he knew something was messed up, or had messed with them to begin with.

I have them all apart - they need soaked in solvent - but the trick to getting them back together (not to mention, was all the parts there to begin with) is what escapes me.

 

[Old60Driver]

Wanted to post an update for y'all...
So, I bought some Warns hubs and everything that goes with it, and was ready to replace the autos. However when I got up here, I started tinkering with them, and they seemed to be working as advertised. Decided to put a temporary tach in and see what the engine was doing. Looks like the 'drag' is actually engine braking. At 55 mph, she's pulling about 2500 rpm. When I let off the gas, the engine and trans come down together, almost like I'm driving a stick. I'm still digging into it, but it looks like the hubs are good to go. I may change them out one day, but for now, they seem to be okay, and it was only my ignorance that caused me to doubt them.

Thanks again. Y'alls input is always appreciate!!

 

[ssgleoleal@yaho]

my autos starting doing things on their own. Swapped to manual....no issues

 

[Bextreme04]

Wanted to post an update for y'all...
So, I bought some Warns hubs and everything that goes with it, and was ready to replace the autos. However when I got up here, I started tinkering with them, and they seemed to be working as advertised. Decided to put a temporary tach in and see what the engine was doing. Looks like the 'drag' is actually engine braking. At 55 mph, she's pulling about 2500 rpm. When I let off the gas, the engine and trans come down together, almost like I'm driving a stick. I'm still digging into it, but it looks like the hubs are good to go. I may change them out one day, but for now, they seem to be okay, and it was only my ignorance that caused me to doubt them.

Thanks again. Y'alls input is always appreciate!!

What transmission do you have? Sounds like either torque converter is locked up or you have something internally in the transmission not working right, like a sprag not allowing drive slippage