I got an instrument cluster cover from an 87 that deleted the tacky woodgrain crap and is now industrial black with slight chrome accents. Looks much better.
My previous 86 had can-can red interior. man that was rough when hung over

The only time you miss manual hubs is when the autos don't lock. That's why I like the auto + manual option as mentioned above. I sure enjoy just having to push a button these days.

G

Jumping to to turn in the hubs on the I-90 mountain pass is a good way to get hit by a Semi or out of control SUV jockey.

Later, had a '92 Toyota, but the lever always required a lot of effort. I like the electric switch in my new truck.

I don't mind manual locking hubs because I rarely if ever use the 4WD on the vehicles I've had with it. Auto locking hubs are the best, as long as they work as designed. I can't imagine having permanently locked front hubs on a 4WD and dragging around the entire front diff and drive shaft all the time on dry pavement. That would suck. :cool:

Solid hubs don't always mean you are turning the entire drive train. Dodge actually has three axles up front so you are only turning the hubs.

When we owned our 2003 4Runner, if it snowed the first thing I did was disable the traction and stability control. Nothing worse than a little wheel slip in an intersection and the computer cuts all power, right in the face of oncoming traffic. I'd much rather power through it with a little tire spin. It also locked the center diff in 4wd which made it more predictable and let me do WRC style power slides.:)

My hubs are manual.

I like my viscous coupler.

There's pros and cons for both.

Anyone who's had to use a truck in a heavy duty manner will appreciate manual hubs. Plowing snow or up in the mountains they can't be beat for longevity. And they are cheaper and easier to work on/replace.

Auto hubs are better for patchy snow/ice covered roads and light duty use. Convenience and ease of use can't be beat.

Solve the entire problem with 4 of these puppies:


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1360440930.jpg

When I built the front axle for my Jeep I put on a manual hub kit, so the answer is no, I don't miss them. Locking the hubs is no big deal, but it was kind of nice with the factory unit bearings. The reason for this upgrade is to hopefully make the hub a fuse. The hubs are relatively cheap, and very easy to carry as spares and quick to replace on the trail.
http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/m...Jeep/test2.jpg

The manual locking hubs in my old Geo Tracker were a pain. In Michigan one day you would need 4WD, the next day not. I got tired of switching them three or more times a week and ended up leaving them locked for the whole winter.

My S-10 pick up truck is a push button, I love it but the 4WD system is no where near as good as the Tracker was.

Like em. Yes. They are a pain. BUT. They work when you need them. That is why I have a 4x4.

Larry

I miss them. Last thng I had them on was one of my Broncos. The autos arent bad, but still like the confidence of the manual ones. I dont like auto/pushbutton/ electronic anythng. I'm glad my Ram and my Grand Cherokee , still have levers for the 4x4.

my cj-5 has Warn lock-o-matic hubs. they are kinda cool but warn out so they dont work so great anymore. they can be locked in permanent like regular hubs. actually the outer half is the same thing as a regular hub but the inner part is like a one way bearing so if you lock in the t case and leave the hubs unlocked the hubs only grab when you start slipping and the axle is traveling faster than the wheel. Locking hubs were invented by Warn hubs were invented for the first jeeps that had drive flanges . I also have a 46 jeep cj-2a that had them and i converted for better milege and handling/ power. they actually make quite a noticeable difference as far as drag. wouldnt have it any other way. auto hubs are an overcomplicated nuicence if you ask me. not only that but the early jeeps had two leavers for the t-case. and another two or three if you had a pto and an overdrive. So you could have a total of 6 leavers if you were fully decked out.

I replace the auto hub with manuals so I knew for sure they were locked. My wife is able t lock and unlock them just fine when the snow is deep.

Speedy:)