Thread: Front ends

some people think they are better some think they add more problems, will you do many kms in it?

Originally Posted by gunguy

Just picked up a series 3 tray back ute, 186 Holden motor and good panels and interior for $300.00 1973 by the way. I want the interior and some other parts for my 74 SWB ute. The front end on the 73 has lockable hubs whit h the 74 doesn't. What are the benefits. Should I change them over?
Cheers
George

I would not bother! I have them on my 2a but they are rarely unlocked.

John

Originally Posted by Landy Smurf

some people think they are better some think they add more problems, will you do many kms in it?

not a lot, and not a lot of 4x4 work, mainly as a weekend drive

Apart from the fact that free-wheeling hubs don't save fuel and actually contribute to wear in the front axle, rather than preserve the components; the most compelling argument for not having them, was made by Diana on this forum some time ago.

She had a rear half-shaft break whilst in traffic on a steep hill; because the axle had broken, the transmission brake would not work and she could't select 4wd because the hubs were disengaged! So there she was stuck on a hill unable to go forward and needing the foot-brake to stay still; in the end she called out to a pedestrian who engaged the hubs to solve the problem.

I suppose a similar situation could develop going down hill - no engine braking and relying on the foot-brake only - nasty!

Well my IIA spends all of it's time off road so my hubs are permanently locked, they supposedly save wear and fuel but I don't really think its worth the effort swapping them around. It's a fair bit of stuffing around for not much difference, the only thing could be wind up if you don't go on loose surfaces very often.

Thanks all for your input, doesn't seem worth the hassle. I will be wrecking the 73 in a couple of months and will list here all the parts first. Thanks again
George

Originally Posted by Series3 GT

Well my IIA spends all of it's time off road so my hubs are permanently locked, they supposedly save wear and fuel but I don't really think its worth the effort swapping them around. It's a fair bit of stuffing around for not much difference, the only thing could be wind up if you don't go on loose surfaces very often.

You won't get wind up if the transfer case is not engaged!

Cheers, Mick.

Originally Posted by gunguy

Just picked up a series 3 tray back ute, 186 Holden motor and good panels and interior for $300.00 1973 by the way. I want the interior and some other parts for my 74 SWB ute. The front end on the 73 has lockable hubs whit h the 74 doesn't. What are the benefits. Should I change them over?
Cheers
George

One of the main benefits is the top railco remains lubricated with the axle rotating, as well as many other positives!

Cheers, Mick.