Hubs

Does anyone run lock-o-matic hubs? Any advantage? Are they stronger/weaker than locking hubs? Can you get replacement internals?

I have a buddy wishing to part w/ a pair, wondering if they're worth it, I got regular locking hubs now. Thanks.

From what i've read, you only have to lock them in 4lo, right? and they automatically engage from 2hi to 4hi, with clutches?

 

Remember, locking hubs were a add on option.
That being said, when using the stock drive flanges, no need to get out of the Jeep and turn anything, shift into 4wd and go.
That being said, with manual locking hubs, simply engage them as soon as you hit the trail, or before the trouble spot. This means before getting stuck in the mud hole.
That being said, some folks don't like to get out and turn them (period) whether stuck in the mud or not.
so...........pick your option; depends on how you use your Jeep.
IMO opinion, they are touchy/troublesome and require more maintenance (read: more internal parts, more to go wrong). They also only engage while driving forward, not while backing up (no biggy to some)
I've never groaned about having to stop and lock/unlock them; a chance to stretch your legs if nothing more.

 

I have a pair and they lock both ways. They are kind of handy on a daily driver for street driving. I would not recomend using the automatic locking feature on the trail, they are not as strong in this position. When in the locked position they are just as strong as manual hubs. They are getting a little hard to find parts for, so I wouldn't use them on a strictly trail rig. Where I have found them to be handy is once in a while you may get stuck on a small amount of ice or snow, with the automatics there is no need to get out and lock the hubs, just shift into 4wd and go. Then once moving just shift back to 2wd. OOOPS, wait a minute, They are terrible, you wouldn't want them. Just send them to me =)

 

I had a problem with them locking-in all the time after I put the Powerlok in. Aparently there was enough friction in the front axle to turn them in. I got rid of them.

 

Guess I'm confused. Is this a certain brand of hubs you're talking about? My '56 has Sears brand hubs on it, that you have to get out and lock/unlock. Will they not work in reverse?

 

We are talking about Warn hubs. They had Lock o matic and Automatic hubs. Your Sears hubs should still work in reverse. I never thought about that they may not work with posi. It seems probable to me though.

 

You guys had me thinking too at first. I have an orginal set of 1955 jeep locking hubs with the large brass knurled knob in the center to turn them on and off. I was thinking of replacing them with the solid plates to loc the axles in all the time and do away with the jeep locking hubs all together.