Locking hub question?

[tbratz]

Years back I used to see advertised locking hubs with "lock" or "auto" settings. The auto setting allowed them to free run until you put the transfer case in. This would then lock the front end. Anyone know if they still make them or who did?

 

[cbearly]

My 2004 F350 has 'lock' and 'auto' settings that work like you describe, but I've never heard of them being available for an early Bronco.

 

[Bronconut]

Warn made a hub like this. Used to see them on many vehicles, including Broncos. They were called 'lock-o-matics' or something like that. I was trying to hunt down a pair for my street driver. Found a used set on e-bay that went for almost $400.. So I gave up. They don't make them anymore (or repair parts) and they are very hard to come by..

 

[Broncobowsher]

The auto locking hubs only work with the open diff. The drag of the posi keeps them engaged all the time.
Warn made them. You could probably snag a set from an '86 full size in a junkyard. You will need to take the wheel bearing retainers as well. there was something special about them. the instructions on all the aftermarket hubs would tell you that you need ro replace it with a normal wheel bearing retainer. From working with another style of locking hub I know that the locking mechanism has something to do with seeing the axle rotate in reference to the fixed part of the spindle, hence the need for the special bearing retainer, the hub would need to see the axle rotating to drive the lock into place.

 

[tbratz]

Thanks for the great responses. I knew they were out there at one time, I'll keep looking for them used.

 

[gjrock]

I think Blazers had them too.Mid 80's