Free-wheeling hubs vs original drive flanges

[calvinhunt]

It may have been discussed previously, maybe even on the old forum, but I must have missed it because in my mind the question still remains: What are the real advantages of free-wheeling hubs on the front axle?  I've seen discussions about which type of hubs are best, but not really the reasons, positive or negative, for their use.  From different members' pics I have seen that some of you use them and some of you don't.

Years ago in the early 1960s when I was a kid, everyone was putting on the free-wheeling hubs saying that because the front axle wasn't turning you saved wear and tear on the front axle (but who cares if the front axle wears out as fast as the rear one?)  They also said you could get considerably better gas mileage with the front axle disengaged.  I didn't notice any difference but with gas at 24.9 cents who was watching?  They claimed you had better pick-up without the front engaged.  Maybe, but I had a hard time trying to tell the difference in that regard as well.

That said, I would appreciate knowing your thoughts on the pros and cons on today's application of front axle free-wheeling hubs.  I'm about to remove the free-wheeling hubs from my "quite" original restoration and go with the original solid drive flanges. Thought I would ask the experts before I made such a rash move.

[Carls_jeep]

I am far from an expert on this but I will give my opinion. I think the lock out hubs on all the Jeeps up to the CJ5 have little effect on fuel mileage given the fact they have very low gear ratios and are not supposed to be driven over 50 mph. The vehicles that can be driven at interstate speeds could see an improvement in fuel mileage with the front axle free wheeling.

I have a pair of heavy duty lockout hubs that are from the time frame my Jeep was made. Since I don't drive over 45 mph and seldom drive where I need four wheel power I leave them unlocked. I do find it inconvenient to have to get out and lock them when needed, especially if I have driven into mud or water and forgot to lock them. I have lately thought about putting the drive flanges on in place of the lockout hubs.

I'm sure it's cheaper to rebuild the rear axle than the front axle so that is a factor. To me it's a personal choice thing.

[rocketeer]

I'm going to disagree a bit. Using lockout hubs (disengaged) does reduce rolling resistance and will have a slight positive effect on fuel economy. There is also reduced wear and tear on the front differential since, as long as the T/C is in 2WD, the shafts and gears aren't turning. It also reduces stress caused by tight turns with the hubs engaged. �The knuckles and spider gears aren't tensioned. Something to keep in mind though is that the spinning of those axle shafts is what sprays lubricant onto the upper kingpin bearings, so every so many miles you should engage the hubs and drive around a few miles to lube them. I do it twice a year.

Carl, put a postit on the inside of the windshield; "Engage hubs before entering mud." �:)

Larry

[Gunslinger]

I'm with Larry on this one, I put lockouts on my jeep and I noticed a big change right away, it was easier to drive, and it was more comfortable in the turns, yes at 35 mph..  As far as gas milage, I can't say I saw a difference, I'm shifting all the time as its farily urban here.  It does seem like you can feel the difference of not having all that iron turning all the time. 2cents more.

[Chasm]

Calvin: I'll add my 2 cents here too!

I flat tow my 3A from time to time. Being able to free wheel the front hub is a necessity here, for reasons stated above. Also, for flat towing long distances, I pull my rear drive shaft. If I do not feel like reconnecting the rear shaft to move the old gal around, I simply engage the front hubs and have a front wheel drive Jeep.

[Tumbleweed]

Larry, I like the idea of the post it note. That is just too funny . It put a smile on my face this morning because I had to think about the many tmes I had to get out and lock the hubs. Most of the time I got back in the Jeep with wet or muddy feet. I think I remember one time crawling over the door and on the fender just to try and stay dry.

I put a set of Warn on my Jeep. The fuel milage is not a concern but I figured that the wear factor was. I do like the idea of driving with the front engaged a couple of times just to sling a little lube on the king pins.

George

[Carls_jeep]

The post it wouldn't stay on my windshield long   but the few times I had to try to back out to lock the hubs has just about cured me of not locking them as soon as I go off the pavement. I usually leave them locked around town but if I drive the county roads any distance I unlock them until needed.

[bayo500]

I just picked up a pair of originals made by Cutlas co. I'll let you know what i think after i fit them next weekend. They need a good clean but they seem solid enough. I still haven't adjusted that date on the camera....

[Carls_jeep]

When I had a hub knocked off by a tree I started searching for some strong hubs. I found the Cutlas brand and found they were made in the CJ2, CJ3 era. I found a set I liked and have used them for quite a while now. They are strong and well built. I think you will like yours and here is a photo of mine.

[rocketeer]

Cutlas had an interesting product line. I've documented at least 19 different locking hubs made for jeeps and Cutlas alone made 3 different ones. The top photo above is of the "Power-Lock" version. The next photo above is of the "Bulldog" version, and pictured below is the type on Frances, the "All-Steel" version.



Larry

[bayo500]

Just fitted the hubs, the steering is much better, yep their great...