auto hubs or locked hubs

[ben 4.2td]

I was wondering if anyone could give me advice when 4WD whether to leave hubs in auto or move them to lock. I usually only engage 4WD when climbing a slippery hill or bog hole, or when I get stuck. Thanks

[threedogs]

Nailed it in one, lock them in for the knarly stuff, but don't forget to return to auto when finished.
If you have trouble shifting lever , just reverse up a bit

[mudski]

Remove the auto locking plate in the hubs and make them manual hubs. Then there is no issue with the auto lock trying to engage itself when you don't want too.

[the evil twin]

What threedogs said...

If you are out for a day of 4WD then lock them at the start and unlock them at the end.
Auto is for random 'one off' situations and for driven operation in one direction to save you jumping out of the cab and rrsing about.

99% of probs with Auto hubs can be attributed directly to lack of/incorrect servicing (usually too much grease) and/or incorrect use by having them in Auto when rolling backwards/forwards during multiple attempts at challenges.

Both of the above can cause partial engagement or a lock under high torque load and will fairly quickly stuff the hubs or as an outside chance bust a CV.

[scotty83]

I agree with locking them in when intentionally doing the harder stuff.
Why would you bother making them Manual hubs? Is there a benefit?
I also figured the auto option was just insurance as I can change from 2H to 4H on the fly. up to 60Kpm. the new models are up to 80+. Assumed this would just give me the insurance that it would kick in if i needed it when touring.

[mudski]

I agree with locking them in when intentionally doing the harder stuff.
Why would you bother making them Manual hubs? Is there a benefit?
.
The benefit is there is only two options. Locked or not locked. Some people including me have reported the auto hubs trying to engage whilst driving on the road.
I wouldn't want to be in auto doing some wheeling and for the hub to decide to unlock itself.
Safer just to have locked and unlocked. It takes a whole minute to get out of your car and lock them...

[ben 4.2td]

It sound like best to lock them for off road, how fast can you go in 2H with hubs locked. The kids love the dancing cat mudski we have a cat very simular, he usually dances like that when my 4 year old has him around the throat.

[scotty83]

ok cool hadn't heard of the 2wd issue before.