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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => 4 Wheel Drives => Topic started by: bluff40 on March 08, 2010, 04:21:30 pm

Title: Automatic hubs
Post by: bluff40 on March 08, 2010, 04:21:30 pm
I've heard a lot of negative comments about automatic hubs over the years, but never from anyone that actually had problems themselves.  The driver side bearings/hub on my '83 K10 (Dana 44 axle, Warn premium hub) had a catastrophic event that took out the hub, spindle, shaft, etc.  I got another axle that came with stock auto hubs ('85) and was thinking about putting them on instead of buying another set of Warns.  This is mostly a plow truck and used around the property hauling firewood, but I still don't want to have trouble with them later.  Looking for some first or second hand wisdom. . .
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: Redneckchevy on March 08, 2010, 04:35:30 pm
I myself had have both....I like them both....had more hang ups with the locking then the auto..Don't no if this helps but im sure it will add up
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: VileZambonie on March 08, 2010, 05:28:23 pm
The auto locking hubs will fail if they already aren't malfunctioning. Do yourself a favor and replace them.
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: MNhunter on March 08, 2010, 10:47:34 pm
Yep, replace them with the manuals.  Mine just went out a few months back and my truck and all it's 77k miles don't see much abuse at all.  Problem is...you probably won't realize that the autos went out until you're in a situation where you need them.
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: bluff40 on March 09, 2010, 01:40:42 am
Thanks guys, I did buy another set of Warn premiums today.  I'll send the destroyed one back to Warn to see if they'll warranty it.  I can't tell what failed first, hub or bearings.  Made a heck of a mess.  What fails on the auto hubs?  They seem pretty simple just looking at them.
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: Chevalade on March 09, 2010, 02:31:21 am
Get Drive flanges....pretty much unbreakable...lol
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: beastie_3 on March 09, 2010, 02:55:55 am
What are drive flanges? I searched and found them, but didnt find out what they are for.
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: VileZambonie on March 09, 2010, 05:51:55 am
Instead of unlocking the hubs they are permanently locked.
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: joesgarage71 on March 09, 2010, 06:39:49 am
 Whats automatic Hubs???, Is that when your stuck and the old woman "automacticaly gets out and locks them in"
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: beastie_3 on March 09, 2010, 11:23:29 am
Instead of unlocking the hubs they are permanently locked.

Isnt that what comes stock on trucks with np203?
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: VileZambonie on March 09, 2010, 04:55:37 pm
Yes but if you're a strictly off roader you'd want heavy duty ones.
Title: Re: Automatic hubs
Post by: beastie_3 on March 09, 2010, 05:53:43 pm
OK gotcha.