Author Topic: Automatic hubs  (Read 12342 times)

Offline bluff40

  • New Users
  • Posts: 2
Automatic hubs
« 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. . .

Offline Redneckchevy

  • Junior Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 697
    • Photo Bucket
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #1 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
1986 Chevrolet K10 Swb "Women love the hood scoop"
1997 Chevrolet K10 Lwb "Dunno what women love"

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19178
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #2 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.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline MNhunter

  • Newbie
  • Posts: 14
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #3 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.

Offline bluff40

  • New Users
  • Posts: 2
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #4 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.

Offline Chevalade

  • Frequent Member
  • **
  • Posts: 329
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #5 on: March 09, 2010, 02:31:21 am »
Get Drive flanges....pretty much unbreakable...lol

Offline beastie_3

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 3170
  • Josh
    • My truck pics
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #6 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.

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19178
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #7 on: March 09, 2010, 05:51:55 am »
Instead of unlocking the hubs they are permanently locked.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline joesgarage71

  • Wrench
  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 1156
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #8 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"
78' K-20 355/SM465/twin stick 205 6" on 36's
14 bolt FF/big bearing Dana 44 4.56 gears

92' GMC C-1500 454/4L80E/14 bolt

Offline beastie_3

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 3170
  • Josh
    • My truck pics
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #9 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?

Offline VileZambonie

  • Global Moderator
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 19178
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #10 on: March 09, 2010, 04:55:37 pm »
Yes but if you're a strictly off roader you'd want heavy duty ones.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline beastie_3

  • Senior Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 3170
  • Josh
    • My truck pics
Re: Automatic hubs
« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2010, 05:53:43 pm »
OK gotcha.