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freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 11:23 am
by stevepsj413
Just a quick question, wots the advantage of fittin manual freewheeling hubs, my samurai came with a reconditioned pair that were just in a box I was told that fitting them improved fuel consumption is this true? Wots peoples opinion should I fit the hubs or leave them in the box? Cheers steve

Re: freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 11:27 am
by i_am_me
the free wheeling hubs disconnect the drive shaft from the wheel,so when your driving in 2wd the front shafts and diff aren`t spinning at all.
this would reduce the drag on the drive train and should in theory improve mpg.

but when unlocked you will not have 4wd,to engage the 4wd you have to get out of the truck and engage them manually.

they are better than auto locking hubs which have a tendency to slip under heavy load when off road.

Re: freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 11:44 am
by ScottieJ
Pro's
*less wear on front diff, propshaft and CVs
*slightly better fuel consumption


Con's
*none!

Get them fitted ;)

Re: freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 12:03 pm
by stevepsj413
Thanks, I know wot u mean about having to get out 2 put it into 4wd I have to lock the hubs but I thought as I didnt have them as standard on the sami that they had auto freewheeling hubs and they disengaged the shafts themselfs? So are my front shafts spinning all the time even when im not in 4wd?

Re: freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 12:32 pm
by twiss
As standard they come with fixed hubs... where the halfshaft is always connected to the wheel!
In this set up, when moving you are pouring energy into spinning the shafts, the diff and the propshaft - all the time.

I agree with Scottie, definitely get them fitted!!! Pretty sure all you need as a 10mm socket/spanner, a 12mm socket/spanner and some circlip pliers
You can do without the circlip pliers but they are a fiddly pain in the arse to put back on sometimes!!!

Re: freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 12:41 pm
by turbo-tom
Pretty good aswell as when Twiss had a problem with his difflocking up he flicked them round and we was good to go! :) if you use your truck alot on road then fit them! :thumbup:

Re: freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 2:40 pm
by stevepsj413
Cheers for the advice guys, looks like ill be fitting some hubs 2nite!

Re: freewheeling hubs pros n cons?

Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 6:25 pm
by Edweird
Pros:
Reduced fuel consumption
Less wear on internal components of front axle
Lighter steering when in rear wheel drive

Cons:
If you want to plough a field, you might have to get out and lock the hubs.