Lockout hubs?

[Joe200man]

Just recently purchased a 2000 xterra. Normally i'd switch to a lockout hub but i think i read somewhere back that there really isnt a benefit to putting lockouts on the xterra except for maybe making the hubs themselves lasting longer? is this true? I want everything to be free up front when it's not in 4 wheel. Thanks

[midget28]

The factory auto locks are pretty strong & the mileage never changed on mine when I switched.

[Delirious]

manual hubs are far superior IMO but have heard good things about the xterra hubs. and the cost n east of replacement is awesome. factory auto for my `90 exploder were 600-700 bucks EACH. vs 250 a pair. exploded a couple of ford autos, they disintigrated trying to get unstck in axel deep snow. i have heard the nissan autos are under 200 bucks each????

[Xterra Mike]

The auto hubs are strong. I've only broken 1 and i've been wheeling hard for about 5 years. The only reason it broke is because my CV exploded and shot out the center of the hub. Locking hubs might be stronger but will put more stress on your CV's. Id rather break a hub than a CV.

[Drake]

Originally Posted by Xterra Mike

The auto hubs are strong. I've only broken 1 and i've been wheeling hard for about 5 years. The only reason it broke is because my CV exploded and shot out the center of the hub. Locking hubs might be stronger but will put more stress on your CV's. Id rather break a hub than a CV.

Mike hit it right on the head. Anytime you strengthen one component, that weakness moves up the line. So if you strengthen the hubs, the next weak point is the CV. Beef up the hub and the CV, next stop is the front-diff and so on and so on. Hub is WAY easier to replace on the trail and much easier on the wallet.

BUT, there is really nothing wrong with the OEM hubs compared to going with Mile Marker (which is junk) and Warn manual hubs. There is a youtube video somewhere of an xterra blowing two Mile Marker manual hubs on the same obstacle. Blew one, replaced it with a spare, then very next attempt, blew the other.

Also, unlike the pathfinder and most other IFS 4WD vehicles, when the auto-hubs are disengaged, the CV axle is disengaged as well. So you do not have that rotational resistance that affects your mpg's and wear on the axle. Pathfinders and 2nd gen xterras only disengage at the wheel in 2WD so the CV axle is always turning.

[slightlywicked76]

After I blew one of the factory hubs I swapped to the Warns. When I was researching it I remember reading that the factory hubs are momentum engaged, meaning that they have to be moving to get them to engage. I went to the manuals because many times I drive in 2wd until I need 4wd and sometimes that means I am already stuck.

Plus, I wanted the comfort of knowing that the hubs are locked verses the factory guessing game. If you have the factory rims and center caps you will have to widen the opening on the center caps to fit them with the Warn hubs. You can also use manual hubs off of the Nissan Hard body. They are tough to find in the junk yards because most have already been picked.

[Xterra Mike]

Originally Posted by slightlywicked76

After I blew one of the factory hubs I swapped to the Warns. When I was researching it I remember reading that the factory hubs are momentum engaged, meaning that they have to be moving to get them to engage. I went to the manuals because many times I drive in 2wd until I need 4wd and sometimes that means I am already stuck.

Incorrect! Factory hubs engage when the CV turns to engage them. Once you shift into 4WD the front diff turns which turns the CV's and engages the hubs. If your stuck and you shift into 4WD the truck doesn't have to be moving to engage the hubs as long as you have wheel spin the hubs will engage but why would you wait till you NEED 4WD to use it. Had a friend that did that. I was always coming to yank him out till i told him just to switch it to 4WD before you think you NEED it!

In my opinion i love my auto hubs. No thinking required. Shift and go!

[Xterror04]

I have had two sets of manuals and 2 sets of autos, the manuals definatly are stronger, so strong that I was able to blow my front diff, lol right now I'm back using a auto set from xterra mike. I like having a weaker spot that is a 2 minute trail fix... But the factory autos are pretty bullet proof, there the weak spot in the front end but should still last years if properly taken care of