Lock-out hubs on Dana 44 rear: Has anyone done this??

Just bought some 19 spline rear axles and Warn hubs from Herm Tilford (Herm the Overdrive Guy) for installation in the rear axle of my M-38. It seems that being able to free wheel the rear axles lets you pretty much tow your jeep as if it were a four-wheel trailer. Has anyone gone this route in lieu of hauling your rig on a trailer?

Thanks,


Jordan

 

Thanks Jim!

 

I have a couple of buddies that used those hubs in the rear, and they can pop out while driving down the road. Not sure why, but three have back to the old system. I have thought about getting them but with the hassles I have seen and that I only tow once or twice a year I just pull the drive shaft.

 

Been running a FF that I built around 18 or so years ago and still works fine. It's really nice to simply unlock the hubs, unload them (I back up slightly) so they disengage, and drive off. Get to where I'm going, dial 'em in and go. Also less wear and tear on the ring and pinion and if you break something you can still drive on the front or flat tow.

 

I have this setup on mine as well, and it works great. Mine uses the old Warn kit. Never had a problem with the hubs popping out. The only issue I have with it is the hubs must be aligned or they won't turn in. Sometimes I have to reach in and turn the driveshaft to get then lined up, but other than that, no problems. Much easier than pulling the driveshaft and you don't want to tow without disconnecting the rear somehow. I had an incident this summer where I pulled up engaged the hubs and nothing happened. Looked underneath and my rear DS was hanging on by one bolt at the t-case end. That would have been disastrous had I not had the hubs unlocked.

 

I have the older Warn style. I drilled a small hole on each hub and installed a small set screw. This keeps the units from unlocking or locking when you don't want them to.

Mike

 

Thanks guys. I am going with it.

 

I just installed one of Herm's full floating axle kits into my Dana 44 earlier this year. Everything fit up well, and I did buy the Warn hubs to go with it.

Haven't owned it long enough to comment on reliability, but it seems to be okay so far. I got the 30-spline axle shafts, and installed an ARB air locker when I put the axle kit in. My theory is that since I will not have the locker engaged except when needed, the hubs shouldn't give me too much trouble. We'll see how that theory holds up.... The advice I received was to use grade 8 bolts and locking washers on the hubs, along with Locktite Red. Word has it that those bolts tend to loosen up sometimes.

Good luck with your plans!

 

Been running a Lock rite in mine since the FF was installed. No issues.
I'd recommend instead of running bolts use studs and lock nuts. Works much better. Warn even used to sell them in kit form to replace the bolts for their locking hubs.

 

I used to have constant problems with the hub bolts shaking loose and breaking off. Safety wire took care of that, haven’t had a single problem since.

 

Sir:

When you recommend to use studs rather than running bolts, where exactly are you referring to? I am not a good enough mechanic to do this conversion myself, so I am having a local guy do it. I got my kit from Herm Tilford but would like a little more info on where the studs are used versus runing bolts. Are you talking in the Warn hub somewhere?

Thanks,


Jordan

 

To clarify the studs go in the bearing hub in place of the bolts that hold the locking hub in place. Clean the threads in the bearing hub with a tap as junk tends to accumulate in the holes, then flush thoroughly with brake cleaner until absolutely clean. Then I use thread locker to hold the studs in place in the bearing hub. Once it sets up then install the locking hubs and use a lock nut to hold the locking hubs in place. The nylon locking nuts BKD refers to work good and will not damage the stud threads. Aircraft style or "pinch nuts" are much more aggressive but can damage the threads upon removal. I use the aircraft style because I absolutely do not want them loosening up but also plan on replacing the studs when I service the bearings so keep spares.

 

I've decided to go FF but haven't decided on a locker. This Jeep will be towed more on the street than driven, so I'm wondering how it would work to install a spool and lock only one hub when driving to the trail, then lock the other for offroad.

 

I wouldn't recommend it. Too much load on just one locking hub and axle shaft. Breakage could well be in your future.

 

Got that same set up on my rear D44.

 

I'm running FF with a Detroit Locker. All my parts are from Warn except for custom axles. I've been really happy with this setup, it's given me no problems in three years.