Manual hubs for 97 Explorer

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dwkoller@rollslanding.com - 08 Mar 2007 15:42 GMT

I have a 97 ford explorer xlt 4x4 with a 4.0L. I need to replace my hubs
and would like to use manual hubs. It looks like warn stopped offering hubs
for an explorer in 1994. Is there another manufacturer or conversion
available?

Thanks!!!

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Ulysses - 08 Mar 2007 17:24 GMT

> I have a 97 ford explorer xlt 4x4 with a 4.0L. I need to replace my hubs
> and would like to use manual hubs. It looks like warn stopped offering hubs
> for an explorer in 1994. Is there another manufacturer or conversion
> available?
>
> Thanks!!!

I used to have two web sites for Warn Hubs but I can't find the other one
right now. Someone else asked about this a while back so you might find
something if you Google this NG. I remember seeing some manual hubs for the
'97 but I also recall thinking it might have been an error and they were
actually for the Rangers.

I also have a '97 so I'd like more information about what's going on just in
case I ever have the same problem. My understanding is that the front
wheels are partially engaged (10% or something?) and when the Control Trak
kicks in 50% of the power is directed to the front wheels. Are the front
wheels not engaging at all or is one not engaging? Can I assume you've
checked the transfer case sensor and all four tires are in good condition
and match?

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dwkoller@rollslanding.com - 08 Mar 2007 18:34 GMT

Thanks for the message. If I find anything out, I'll post it.

I've had the car to aamco and they couldn't find anything wrong. So I'm
leaning towards a bad hub bearing that occassional locks up. The tires are
all the same. Aamco is telling me the hall sensors are okay. I've heard
the same thing about the 10 percent of the power going to the front. But as
long as the wheels are in free mode -- why care. I probably don't
understand the hub workings.

Thanks!!!

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Bob - 09 Mar 2007 01:36 GMT

I bought Warn manual hubs for my 94 Explorer a few months ago. Sorry I
don't remember which website I bought them from but a good place to
start looking is the Warn website. You'll need a conversion kit too ( to
convert from auto to manual hubs), about $30 more.

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Jim Warman - 09 Mar 2007 02:40 GMT

97 Explorer doesn't have locking hubs... as far as I can recall, there isn't
even any provision for "unlocking" the front axle....

Without knowing the nature of your concern and a little more about your car,
I can't comment any further...

FWIW... Warn doesn't list anything because there isn't anything...

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Paul G. - 10 Mar 2007 04:52 GMT

> 97 Explorer doesn't have locking hubs... as far as I can recall, there isn't
> even any provision for "unlocking" the front axle....
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
>
> FWIW... Warn doesn't list anything because there isn't anything...

Yes. No hubs on a 97. From 97 on the front wheels are always turning
the front differential. (95 and 96 also do not have locking hubs, but
are slightly different) A solenoid connects the front differential to
the transfer case in 4WD mode.

It's simpler, but there's more drag and wear. I liked the old
autohubs, mine worked just fine, and I got 20 mpg instead of 17.
-Paul

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