Locking hubs? - Diesel Forum

over the edge · 11-19-2009, 05:58 PM

I have a 2003 4x4 ex.How do i find out wich locking hubs to buy?

TXANGLER · 11-19-2009, 07:44 PM

OE auto hubs about $450. Milemarker 449SS manuals $150 shipped. I chose the Milemarkers. All X's use the same part

over the edge · 11-19-2009, 11:16 PM

Where do i get these from?

TXANGLER · 11-20-2009, 08:43 AM

which ones? OE (Ford) I would look at here: Silver State Ford Parts (Formerly DIRECTFORDPARTS.COM)Genuine Ford Truck Parts Lincoln Mercury Parts OEM Ford Parts and Accessories

For Milemarker I think I went to 4WP or Summit Racing but try here: Mile Marker 449SS Locking Hub

You will have to lock the hubs manually with the milemarkers but I use 4WD about 3-4 times a year.

**danielcward** · 11-20-2009, 09:39 AM

I'd ask why you are looking for hubs? Do your current hubs not turn anymore? I've heard many recommend going to manual hubs over the esof oem hubs, but as long as they turn the esof oems can be used just like a manual hub. I had to replace one of my locking hubs and got a good used oem hub on ebay for about $80.

TXANGLER · 11-20-2009, 02:51 PM

hub bearing on mine were shot. overheating and grinding however they still "worked". Warn and Milemarkers are a much better design IMHO.

MotionMan · 11-21-2009, 09:59 AM

I have had warns now for 3 years, they work great and never freeze up. I didn't buy the premiums ones, mine were about 180 or so. Just remember to plug the air lines.

86GLHS · 11-24-2009, 11:40 AM

All three of mine have Warn hubs. The first to go was the F250 way back at 150K miles. One fell off and the other stopped working. Now at 274K miles the Warns are still working like the day I put them on close to 125K miles.

Same goes for the Excursion although only one factory hub failed. Rather than pay the Ford premium price I again opted for the Warn standard hubs. The Warns have been on the X for a couple years and 50K miles.

When I bought the DRW (used) it came with Warn Premium hubs. This past week I finally had them replaced as the driver side would keep turning. Guess what kind I put on? Yup, the Standard Warn hubs. The Premium Warns turned very hard and you had to make what seemed like a full turn. The standard Warns by way of comparison only have to be turned a partial turn and they turn so easy.

I could swear was told the Ford factory hubs are made by Warn.

If I could do it over again would have tried to find used PSD's with the manual hubs and floor shifter. The Ford system with electric and vaccume is a poor design. All three of my PSD's and the previous gasser all have had issues with the Ford electronic 4x4 system. My first truck a 99 F150 had the electric 4x4 motor fail at 35.5K miles.