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Convert to manual hubs?

Jangles

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Orono, Maine
Just wondering if it's possible to convert the front auto's to manual locking, and what would be involved to do it... especially as far as $$ is concerned. '95...

edit: Just ran a search and found some info, but I'm still unclear on whether this is a reasonable task to take on. I'm looking to do it mostly to improve gas mileage, and road handling (lighten up the front end).

Is there a way to pull something off an older model and swap it out? Or is that not worth it. Thanks for any info.
 
Cost for the kits is around $700 to $900 -- then you have to have hubs machined, and pay for labor to install if you don't do it yourself.

Don't see how it's going to save you any weight -- if anything, I'd guess it'll weight a few ounces more than the stock unit hub/bearing, but on a 3,500 pound vehicle I don't think the weight is a factor. Gas mileage might improve a bit, but let's say it improves by 2 MPG -- how many miles would you have to drive before the gas savings amount to the $1000 the conversion's going to cost you?

I happen to agree that's the way XJs should have been made, but I can't make the numbers work to justify the conversion. I think you have to do it because you think it's "better."
 
Two kits on the Market, Warns and Mile Marker. $700-$900

Do a search, someone was doing a MileMarker Install. The 91 and older came with the vacuum disconnect axle. They most likely have the smaller 260 u-joint, the 95' front axle you have now might have the 297, larger u-joint. The only reason some switch to the disconnect axle is to aid in running a front locker.

Some have said they have shaves a MPG or two after the conversion.

HTH
 
Thanks guys. What you've said is what I figured. It's hard to justify spending that much just to get a couple mpg and better steering feel. I've just noticed that the steering is kinda sluggish compared to my old Bronco2, which had manual hubs - you could really feel the difference between locked and unlocked. I'll be the first to admit that my rides do far more on-road driving than off, so I'm primarily focused on that...

Oh well, it looks like it's not a conversion worth doing. Too bad. You're right Eagle, it should have at least been an option. My dad's '99 SuperDuty has the optional manuals... a big selling point for him actually!
 
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