wheel hubs...

[klbeans]

Another benefit of manual hubs is better fuel economy due to the front CVs and diff not rotating when in 2WD.

Don't think anyone mentioned this. Sorry if I am being redundant.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Actually on the Xterra the CV's don't rotate. The hubs, auto or manual, do their job as well as the t-case disconnects the front drivetrain; it's the Pathfinder that didn't have disengaging hubs, so that helped them save some mpg's, but on the Xterra it shouldn't make a difference.

[Adam]

Only the 96-2004 pathfinder had the full time hubs. The older 87-95 ones had the same hubs as the xterra. No idea on how the newer post 2005 stuff works though.

[Morpheus]

05+ path, x, frontier have a locked spline shaft in hub design. No hubs will work that have been designed yet

If someone does, it would likely require a complete replacement on the whole wheel bearing Assy

[klbeans]

Actually on the Xterra the CV's don't rotate. The hubs, auto or manual, do their job as well as the t-case disconnects the front drivetrain; it's the Pathfinder that didn't have disengaging hubs, so that helped them save some mpg's, but on the Xterra it shouldn't make a difference.

Guess that's what happens when a Toyota guy gives feedback on a Nissan forum.

[buttsy]

Guess that's what happens when a Toyota guy gives feedback on a Nissan forum.

Hey bud, never feel bad about giving advice that turns out to be application specific. So long as it doesn't cause a hazard, it's a learning experience for everyone. A discussion point if nothing else.

This post has been written entirely in recycled electrons by a bonehead on a Galaxy S4. Also from inside an igloo. Why not, I'm from the "North" right?

[Miner]

05+ path, x, frontier have a locked spline shaft in hub design. No hubs will work that have been designed yet

If someone does, it would likely require a complete replacement on the whole wheel bearing Assy

Titan and Armada as well, likely all the half tons, GMs HDs, and RAM HDs up to 2013. The only trucks with auto hubs, manual hubs, or both, are the 2014 RAMs and Ford SDs. The earlier RAM HDs could be swapped to aftermarket manual hubs. At least this is my understanding, as I looked into things years ago when I discovered the Titan front axle was always engaged/spinning...I was disappointed in the design to say the least.

Using the RAM HD as an example unlocking the front hubs is good for 1-2 mpg, given the great lengths companies are going to to increase fuel economy I can't understand why auto locking hubs or disconnecting differentials have not been reintroduced.

[Nd4SpdSe]

Using the RAM HD as an example unlocking the front hubs is good for 1-2 mpg, given the great lengths companies are going to to increase fuel economy I can't understand why auto locking hubs or disconnecting differentials have not been reintroduced.

I was wondering exactly this as I was reading your first paragraph, with all their cylinder deactivation, suspension lowering, grill closing tech they're adding to lower fuel consumption, that would be a simple answer to add to that...so stupid

[Miner]

I stand corrected the F-150 4wd has employed Integrated Wheel Ends (EWI) since 2004. They provide autmatic locking by releasing vacuum to the wheel end vacuum actuator.

http://www.f150online.com/forums/articl ... -some.html

[klbeans]

Hey bud, never feel bad about giving advice that turns out to be application specific. So long as it doesn't cause a hazard, it's a learning experience for everyone. A discussion point if nothing else.

No worries here. I can see how the conversation has evolved as a result of my comment. Lots of information here.

I agree with MIner though re. the lengths companies will go to reduce fuel economy yet very little has been done with auto engaging hubs/differentials.

But at the same time, what makes old trucks so cool and easy to work on is the lack of technology. For me, the simpler the better... especially for an off-road vehicle which is susceptible to water, mud, sand, etc...

Maybe I'm old school or just plain old.

[Adam]

I always thought they did away with the auto/manual hubs because the soccer moms want to be able to ram it into 4wd on the fly, lol.

[klbeans]

Naw, that can't be it. That would require that they have a basic understanding of what 4wd is.

Prob more for those white collar types who believe to be "handy" yet don't want to get their hands dirty.

[Snafu]

They didn't want to break a nail pulling it into 4wd so they went electronic with a switch. Plus a little more labour was involved with the old style (some didn't know enough to lube the joints).

Definitely prefer mechanical over electronic transfer case

[Miner]

Soccer Mom SUVs or CUVs are AWD, as even a dash mounted switch is too complicated for the urban masses.