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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: old squarebody on August 26, 2019, 03:24:58 PM

Title: Factory locking hubs
Post by: old squarebody on August 26, 2019, 03:24:58 PM
Hello, I’m a first timer to this site. I have recently been told by 4x4 mechanic that Chevy never came out of factory with locking hubs, I’m having a hard time with that I bought a 73 4x4 in 74 with what I believe to be factory hubs, also had 74 Chevy 4x4 several years later again spicer hubs, now I have a 78 Chevy 4x4 with warn hubs. My question did spicer and Dana front ends come out factory with locking hubs ?
Thanks in advance
Mike :o
Title: Re: Factory locking hubs
Post by: Rapid Roy on August 26, 2019, 04:59:36 PM
Welcome to the site.
Title: Re: Factory locking hubs
Post by: JohnnyPopper on August 27, 2019, 12:21:44 PM
Welcome From SoCal!

Sorry I can't be any help with your question, look forward to other weighing in...
 

Title: Re: Factory locking hubs
Post by: 75gmck25 on August 27, 2019, 06:50:14 PM
Your mechanic friend might be confused by GM's changes over the years. 

For example, in '73 they used the NP205 with all trucks, there may have been factory locking hubs.  However, starting in '74 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton trucks got the NP203 unless they had a manual transmission, and there would be no reason to have locking hubs with full time 4WD.  Then they brought back the NP205 in '80 on all trucks, before switching to the NP208 in '81.  I thought locking hubs were a factory option with the NP208.

Bruce
Title: Re: Factory locking hubs
Post by: Irish_Alley on August 27, 2019, 11:52:57 PM
ive never really looked into this but i think it depended on the t case like gmc said. that being said im almost 100% positive the dana 60 never came with auto hubs due to the weight ratings.