NP208/manual hubs to auto question

[occupant272]

I've got an '84 Suburban, K20, with manual WARN hubs up front.  It has 2Hi, 4Hi, 4Lo, and N.  With the manual hubs, I have to stop and get out to change to 4WD, right?  What would it take to install automatic hubs?  Is there some kind of system in the truck that "knows" the hubs are automatic?  Or does it not care?

[Blazin]

Why would you want to?
Locking hubs and a shifter for 4x4, it dosnt get any better than that.

[joesgarage71]

When I use to plow snow I would leave the hubs locked in and pull back the shifter to 4 HI when I needed it.

Like Blazin said "doesn't get any better than that"

[occupant272]

So the hubs can be in the locked position in 2WD?  What does that do, does it make the front axle and the front driveshaft turn even though it's not powered?  Will this damage the axle or the transfer case to leave the hubs locked?

Owner's manual doesn't mention anything about it.  Just says I can shift from 2wd to 4hi if I have automatic hubs...up to 25mph...so since I don't have automatic hubs, I shouldn't do it while moving?

[Blazin]

I leave my hubs lock most all winter. I do unlock them if I plan on goiong out of town and weather is nice as there is no need for 4x4 and it drags the milage down. As far as summer time I try to run them down the road a few miles every week locked, but other than that I leave them unlocked.
The front axle, gears , and shaft turn when the hubs are locked. If you want 4x4 just grab the stick and shift it. You can shift into 4 hi from 2 hi while moving at a slow speed.

[thirstycanadian]

driving in 2wd with the hubs locked it pretty much like having auto hubs.  driving with the hubs unlocked gives you slightly better mileage, since you aren't getting the resistance of turning the axle and shaft.

if you think you will need 4wd at some point during your drive, just lock the hubs and drive in 2Hi.  Shift to 4Hi whenever you think you need it.  my truck's info says you can do 2Hi to 4Hi at any speed, but I usually do it at a crawl if possible.  

just make sure you NEVER shift into 4Hi or 4Lo if your hubs are free (not locked)

[BILTUP]

What happens if you shift into 4hi or 4lo with the hubs free?

[Blazin]

Nothing and 2 Lo, the front shaft will turn along with the front diferential, and axles.