Manual Vs Automatic Locking Hubs: Why I Chose Manual Hubs For The Ford Excursion

Manual versus Locking Hubs. A Canadian fella asked me why I wanted the manual hubs instead of the automatic OEM 4WD Locking Hubs. Well for 1) the Warn Hubs look great. 2) The Warn Hubs are stronger than OEM. 3) They are more reliable. Factory hubs have a tendency to stick in the locked position if they aren't used frequently or get dirty. and 4) With Manual hubs, I can put the truck on 4 Low, and run it in 2 Low by not locking in the hubs.

If you live in a cold climate where you don't want to get out of the truck, or need to put the truck in 4WD very frequently, maybe the factory automatic locking hubs are a better option. Or maybe you are just old and/or lazy and pushing that button and mashing the skinny pedal is just much more appealing... that's fine too!

Or ,maybe you just need that extra traction to gap somebody at the stoplight... Automatic hubs are probably the way to go. Nothing subtle about getting out of your truck at a stop light to lock in the front end...

[jakewiebe]

On the contrary, automatic hubs (and auto trans case shifters) often like to fail in our cold, especially after a fresh snow. Yes, it may suck getting snow in your boots just to flip your hubs mid snow drift. But at least once you get back in and throw the floor shifter back, you're fully locked in, no matter what!

[nhbountyhunter]

Manual, 100% of the time. More reliable, stronger, and positive engagement

[MrJJandJim]

As a native Georgian, I actually prefer the cold. You can always wear more in the cold, but when it gets hot you can only take off so much before you get arrested! Plus, even just a threat of snow makes everything stop, lol.

[cameronbenton]

I was sold in the very beginning when he said “ bc they look cool. My man

[Micah]

I may be slow. But I think I just realized who else on YouTube has to be your brother

[csmith]

when I was little my dad would do the driver side and who ever was on passenger side did that side except my mom .

[spudthegreaterusa]

Has a 95 chevy with the electric actuator. It failed in super cold temps here in the midwest. Almost had to wait for spring to get it unstuck. Replaced the actuator. I have a 2006 F250 now with manual hub locks and Floor Stick. Works every time. No issues ever.

[MrMarkguth]

I used to turn one hub on a blokes Ute while he was in the pub, imagine when he gets bogged at night, and turns his hubs, he’d always be disengaging one lol

[mckreations]

They work. Plain and simple. One reason needed

[muskrat]

I’m allergic to frostbite too, it makes my toes fall off.

[Patriot]

I was the hub locker as a kid. My uncle got me one time with his 75 Cheyenne with full-time locked axles

[Transmissiondude]

Reverse after you disengage the 4x4 on automatic locking hubs. It’s not required on most modern auto hubs. But it takes the tension off and helps release them. It also reduces wear. Been in this trade for a while. So has my pop and brother. I’ve never had an issue on any auto locking hubs I’ve owned. That’s my two cents

[jamesdow]

The best feature of manual hubs is, as you mentioned, 2wheel low.

[thomrobitaille]

I live in Canada. I've been driving 4x4 for decades, manual hubs, auto hubs, and modern vacuum systems. For convenience and utility, the modern system is by far the most useful for modern winter driving.

[wayneharley]

Not all Canadians are on the short bus so smart and way stronger like you said. Take care and keep on tracken

[joeb]

U and ur bro both into cars.. awesome lol my family is the same even one of my sisters is in the racket my old man was a mechanic for 40 years taught us all a lot I plan on doing the same

[unhinged]

"I'm allergic to frostbite." I felt that. 🤣🤣

[thelazarous]

I prefer auto simply because I can engage them while moving in an emergency. I can also be mid realization that I'm going to need 4wd while on a worksite and just reach down, slam it in. Say all you want about wear, but our work trucks all retire at 200k miles and only 1 in 43 didn't due to a transmission failure at 180k.

[DanielNebergall]

I also live in Georgia and while im not a fan of getting out of the truck to lock my hubs the reliability has always been worth it

[isaach]

Ha…”I live in Georgia…we wear shorts on Christmas”…..no…this year it looks like a low of 15F on Christmas morning.😂😳😫🥶