Thread: AVM 451 HUBS

They should, the 94+ defender fitment use the same hubs and axle. But why?

Originally Posted by Dougal

They should, the 94+ defender fitment use the same hubs and axle. But why?

Agreed, why? The drive shaft, the diff and the axles will all still be turning...... You might reduce some wear, but it would be a seriously small reduction. You're not going to get any steering back, the discos have a better turning circle than most 4WDs.

I can only see it as just "spending" money. What are you trying to achieve. What is your end goal?

Chris

Won't you have to lock the centre diff if you fit free wheel hubs?

I'm going to rebuild the transfer case using an Ashcroft part time 4wd kit, just concerned about the drive flange thickness of the AVM 451 hubs. My Disco is 1996 build I think it has thin drive flanges ? I'm trying to get conformation of their fitment to my vehicle.

Originally Posted by p38arover

Won't you have to lock the centre diff if you fit free wheel hubs?

Thats my understanding otherwise there will be no drive at all.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Thats my understanding otherwise there will be no drive at all.

He quotes he is using a Ashcroft partime 4x4 kit

And now we get back to the actual benefits of free-wheeling hubs versus the advertised benefits of free-wheeling hubs.

Advertised benefits

• Lower fuel consumption - has anyone found this? I haven't.
• Lighter steering. The disco already has power steering.

Disadvantages.

• Rover diff not designed for weight of Disco when using single diff.
• stationary drive train - adverse wear on prop shaft splines in single plain.
• lack of lubrication to swivel bearings.
• inability to engage 4WD in an emergency.
• protruding FWH risk of damage when off road.
• Unable to use LR alloys on vehicle with FWH.

IMHO not worth the cost, you'll never recover it.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

And now we get back to the actual benefits of free-wheeling hubs versus the advertised benefits of free-wheeling hubs.

Advertised benefits

• Lower fuel consumption - has anyone found this? I haven't.
• Lighter steering. The disco already has power steering.

Disadvantages.

• Rover diff not designed for weight of Disco when using single diff.
• stationary drive train - adverse wear on prop shaft splines in single plain.
• lack of lubrication to swivel bearings.
• inability to engage 4WD in an emergency.
• protruding FWH risk of damage when off road.
• Unable to use LR alloys on vehicle with FWH.

IMHO not worth the cost, you'll never recover it.

Other disadvantages:
Have to get out to engage 4wd (this is never in nice clean conditions).
Anti-squat effect of front suspension is lost, result is nose lift acceleration.
Cornering grip is diminished.
Acceleration grip is diminished.
Traction to move heavy objects (like trailers) on hard surfaces is lost.
Tyre wear becomes very uneven.
ABS on the front axle won't work.

Fulltime 4wd is one of the best things about these landrovers. Why would you want to ruin it?