manual hubs opinions?

[mtflat]

My 86 4x4 half-ton lost the front differential - it definitely had problems - I've been finding chunks of some unidentified metal (not gears) that was wedged between the ring /pinion. I replace it with a junkyard find and everything is good except I still don't have power to the wheels.

Transfer case spins, driveline is turning, axles turn but no drive to the wheels.

Am I right to believe that the hubs are probably toast? Can they be cleaned/rebuilt or should I just go with aftermarket hubs? I'm familiar with Warn - is there a better product I should look for?

 

[dragogt]

Yep, sounds like hub to me..

IIRC Warn is still the best to get..

 

[countryboytn]

I'd probly go with Warn too, just because they are well known.

I believe Mile Marker is suppossed to be a good brand aswell.

LINK

 

[flareside_thunder]

I heard a rumor around a few years back that Mile Marker and Warn are the same..whether that's true, I don't know.

 

[countryboytn]

I wouldn't doubt it.

 

[flareside_thunder]

I wouldn't either.....especially for the price. If you plan on doing any type of wheeling...definitely go with the premiums....I like the metal centers better, but I abuse my stuff.

 

[countryboytn]

Yeah, same here. My motto "when in doubt, throttle out" hasn't broken much (yet) but is kinda hard on stuff.

 

[FordF-SuperDuty]

Smokey said that he's popped a mile marker without trying to hard, I've seen a tare down of both of them and they aren't the same.

 

[godblessmud]

Avoid anything badged mile marker at all costs. winches, hubs, etc...

 

[smokey]

Warn hubs.
the MM hubs are way weaker have snapped more than a few hubs in my years. warn hubs have been the best.

 

[m78]

I woulsd check to see if one is not making contact properly inside.
It would be the same as if one wheel was in the air ,( no go )

 

[1985 Ford F-150]

I had the same problem on my 85 (no power to front wheels or it was intermittantly) got a set of warn premium hubs and have never had the problem again.

 

[mtflat]

Thanks for the input and suggestions guys....

 

[mtflat]

Update. Got to thinking about the way it went together and....... sure enuf I had the outside gear turned around on both sides. There's no way it will engage that way. Turned them around the correct way and bingo - 4x4 to the dirt.

It's always the dumb stuff.

Thanks again for the hub recommendations but for now I'll keep it stock.