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The benefits of manual locking hubs
Written: June 14, 2011
by Andy Lilienthal
Back in 1948, Arthur Warn developed the WARN locking hub so surplus WWII Jeeps, which had full-time four-wheel drive, could perform better on the pavement. These hubs allowed the vehicle's front wheels to be disconnected from the drivetrain. He advertised that the hubs would increase fuel economy, be incredibly durable, and were easy to install. More than 60 years later, this still applies to WARN 4WD Hubs.

Some four-wheel drive vehicles come with manual locking hubs. However, after time, they become worn and need replacing. Other four-wheel-drive vehicles have automatic locking hubs. And although auto hubs are convenient, they don't allow for a complete disconnect from the four-wheel-drive system. Axles, differentials, and driveshafts still turn, even in 2WD, which adds extra wear and tear on a vehicle and decreases fuel economy. When you switch to a manual WARN 4WD Hub, you have the ability to disconnect front wheels from the front drivetrain, increasing fuel economy, and decreasing drivetrain wear.

WARN Premium 4WD Hubs Another benefit of WARN 4WD locking hubs is durability. The WARN Standard Hub is built to OEM levels of durability, and are a great choice if yoU're replacing a set of OEM locking hubs. The Standard Hubs use many of the same components as our Premium Hubs, too. WARN Premium Hubs are even more durable, and feature ultra-strong all-metal construction, a ZA alloy dial, and a thick internal wave spring and heavy dial detents. Regardless of which WARN hubs you purchase, we stick behind the product with a limited lifetime warranty.

Whether upgrading existing hubs, replacing hubs, or switching from automatic to manual, WARN 4WD Hubs offer a variety of benefits both on and off road.


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Tags: hubs, manual hubs, locking hubs, Premium Hubs, Standard Hubs, 4WD, four-wheel drive
Filed under: Truck/Jeep/SUV

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#1
Pseudonym
says
June 14, 2011 at 03:14 PM
Not to mention the capability to drive home with broken front axle components.

#2
Bob
says
June 14, 2011 at 03:16 PM
HI,
I am building a 1988 Ford Ranger.
Could you give me the part numbers for EVERYTHING I would need to Completely Replace My Automatic Hub System W/ the WARN Standard Hubs.
Like, a complete conversion set.
Thx,
Bob

#3
Andy Lilienthal
says
June 14, 2011 at 03:23 PM
@Bob,

You'll need:

Hubs (PN 29070)
Spindle nut conversion (PN 27988)

#4
Scott
says
July 11, 2011 at 11:31 AM
I have warn hubs on 1983 GMC jimmy, had to take apart and misplaced one of the springs that goes under the cap, can you provide me with part number for this spring please as i dont need to purchase the whole hub.

#5
Andy Lilienthal
says
July 11, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Scott, call WARN Customer Service at 1-800-543-9276; they'll get you exactly what you need.

#6
Randy Sadberry
says
August 05, 2011 at 09:38 AM
I want to convert to manual hubs on a stock 2005 Rubicon with 44's, do you offer a conversion kit?
R

#7
Andy Lilienthal
says
August 05, 2011 at 09:50 AM
Sorry, we do not.

#8
Cliff
says
October 21, 2011 at 03:58 PM
What is a wave spring?

#9
removed
says
January 07, 2012 at 10:57 AM
Comment has been removed

#10
Steve
says
February 07, 2012 at 07:06 PM
Do you make locking hubs for a 1985 defender 90?

#11
Keith
says
February 10, 2012 at 08:12 PM
I have a 2001 xj cherokee do you make manual locking hub kit for my dana 30.

#12
sonny
says
March 09, 2012 at 01:01 PM
can hubs be installed 0n my 2006 jeep wrangler with 1 5 wheel spacers

#13
Walt Peterson
says
March 30, 2012 at 05:38 PM
Will the 10-spline premium hub fit a 1951 M38 front axle (same as CJ3A). What do you mean by 'very early' requireing threads to be cut? What year is 'very early'?

#14
Andy Lilienthal
says
April 05, 2012 at 08:21 AM
Walt, call our Customer Service team at 800-543-9276. They'll help you out.

#15
Deborah
says
April 18, 2012 at 08:12 AM
Hi, I have a 2004 Nissan Pathfinder & would like to know if Warn Manual Locking Hubs are available, part numbers & cost. I live in Yorkton, SK, Canada. Where are they available locally? Thanks.

#16
Andy Lilienthal
says
April 18, 2012 at 08:24 AM
Deborah, we do offer a WARN Premium manual hub for the 2004 Pathfinder. It's part number 29091. To find a dealer in your area, see our Dealer Locator.

FYI, here's a link to our WARN premium hub application chart.

#17
calvin
says
April 21, 2012 at 05:33 AM
jeep rubicon 2005. would like to install manual locking hubs on the front. what is the part # for this.. thanks

calvin

#18
gregg mckinney
says
May 08, 2012 at 02:13 PM
does your website have printed instructions for nissan application 29091 ? what happens to small center hubcap that pathfinders have?

report #19
Andy Lilienthal
says
May 08, 2012 at 02:28 PM
We do not have instructions for installation on the website, sorry. The center cap will not be reinstalled.