Auto to manual locking hubs

[AK4x4van]

Finally got around to doing the swap. ?Pretty quick and simple IF you have the right tools. ?

You will need:
1/2" drive ratchet
2 3/4" socket
2 1/2" 4-lug spindle nut socket
T-20 torx bit
9/64" allen wrench
medium-small flat screw driver or pry bar
needle nose pliers

Start to finish the job took about 4 hours, most of which was spent trying to borrow the 2 3/4" socket. ?Some extra time spent cleaning my hands so y'all could get some pictures. ?
Once I had the tools and all the pics I needed, the other side only took 15 minutes.

I had planned on repacking the bearings since I needed to remove the nuts, ?but I noticed that I need to replace the ball joints. ?Not having the time or parts I decided to do those at a later date, ?therefore I did the swap without removing the tires.

Well here goes...........

[AK4x4van]

First raise the front end and support.

Remove the 3 screws with the torx bit.

Pull off hub cover.

[AK4x4van]

Using screw driver, remove snap ring.

[AK4x4van]

Slide out old locking hub.

[AK4x4van]

Remove the rest of the hubs internals.

[AK4x4van]

Pull out the keeper pin and remove the nut.
Here is where you need the 2 3/4" socket.
Here is a bad pic of the keeper pin. The pass side one was broken, not sure if that was part of my problem.

[AK4x4van]

Install new inner spindle nut.

I'm not sure what the specs are for the '96 models, but 78-79 calls for 50 ft/lbs then back off 90 degrees. I don't use a torque wrench when doing these nuts. I preload them and back off till hub spins freely, but doesn't have any play.

Put in lock washer, making sure the pin on the inner nut goes thru a hole in the washer. If the pin doesn't line up, try flipping the washer over. The holes are offset a little, so they will be in a different spot when you flip it.

Put on outter nut. 78-79 calls for 50-70 ft/lbs.

[AK4x4van]

Slide in new hub and install new "spiral" lock ring.

[AK4x4van]

Install O-ring in hub cover and screw the hub cover on.
After you tighten the hub screws, check to make sure there is still a little play. The new hubs covers are NOT supposed to solid against the outter hub.

[AK4x4van]

Jobs complete.

Hubs performed flawlessly during the test drive. No more wondering if the 4x4 engaged or not.

Heres a pic of the sockets you will need.
The one on the left is the 2 3/4".
The one on the right is the 2 1/2" 4-lug ( mine has a ring around it, seems to stay on the nuts better).
The one on top is a "typical" 4-lug socket, just for reference in case you need to find one.

[c350_beast]

newbie here, nice writeup. any chance you still have your auto hubs? i would be interested in them even if they have some bad parts. personally i like the auto hubs and would like to have some as spares in case mine go. i will pay a reasonble price and shipping of course. if anyone else has some or are getting ready to do a swap, i would be interested. please let me know. i would like to have several sets, i have two with auto hubs.
thanks
Randy

[79Time]

Great write-up.

[qumanchew]

newbie here, nice writeup. any chance you still have your auto hubs? i would be interested in them even if they have some bad parts. personally i like the auto hubs and would like to have some as spares in case mine go. i will pay a reasonble price and shipping of course. if anyone else has some or are getting ready to do a swap, i would be interested. please let me know. i would like to have several sets, i have two with auto hubs.
thanks
Randy
I did this swap on me 92 c350 and have the auto hubs sitting on my shelf. I was planning on listing them in the for sale section, but never got around to it. If you are interested make me an offer on this thread or email me at qumanchew@aol.com.