Stick with auto front hubs or replace with manual?

Hi all,
My 2000 GU 4.2td 5spd manual, has, or course, auto locking hubs. It seems to me that some like them, most don't. I think I'm falling into the "don't like" brigade.
The idea of backing up a bit to disengage seems to me a bit of a crappy idea. In auto, when travelling say a dirt road, and I need to grab 4H, when changing back to 2H does it automatically disengage? Or should I LOCK hubs when starting dirt roads and then just grab 4H/2H as needs arise?
I also find that, according to my manual, swapping between 2H and 4H can only be done below 40kph; my earlier GQ could be done below 100kph, far more sensible and useful.

I have seen the video on changing the auto to manual hubs, and of course there are AVM replacement hubs (around $450 plus labour).
When going away up the sticks I'm usually pulling my Trakmaster caravan (ATM 2450kg). Would you folk advise replacing the Nissan auto hubs with the AVM?
Are there alternatives to AVM? Are original Nissan GQ hubs an option?

Like to know your collective thoughts on this. Yes, I need to be schooled on this issue.

Cheers, Chris

Have only ever had manual hubs.
Have often left hubs locked in for months at a time travelling in the outback. Just need to remember to put the car back into 2wd when getting on to hard road surfaces. Many outback vehicles probably never have their hubs unlocked. To change from 2wd to 4wd or vice versa I always slow to a stop.

IMHO .Simple mod, but probably not needed unless you are running a front locker or are having problems. If in doubt just lock the hubs in before going offroad. Have been told the original hub locks are quite strong anyway. Just fit a pair of hub saver rings from Patrolapart.

I have auto hubs and lock them whenever I go off-road in 4wd, no different that manual just unlock when back on the road and it’s not like you need to reverse up a kilometre.

AVMs are Rubbish mate. OEM or nothing. Auto are fine for a Tourer. When you are going into 5wd for days just lock them.

GQ Manual hubs are your only alternative, they bolt straight up but Drug money is required to buy a set

As above stay away from AVM.
Keep original and take out that shitty auto plate.
Make them 100% manual.

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Hi all, thanks for the replies.
I like the idea of drug money, but I seem to keep having crop failures (just as well two slipped through, ha ha).
Hodge, good idea.
Anyway I think for now I'll just get into the habit of manually locking when going on to dirt; have to stop anyway to air down or up.
Cheers, Chris

Had some issue with auto hubs on 99 GU.
Did the quick mod myself ... took about 30 minutes or so for both hubs. Now "lock" is lock and "auto" is off.
Never had an issue since.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EddieOlsen

Had some issue with auto hubs on 99 GU.
Did the quick mod myself ... took about 30 minutes or so for both hubs. Now "lock" is lock and "auto" is off.
Never had an issue since.

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Yeah mine kept clicking and carrying on once in a while.
Also, I like to have 100% unlocked when Low 2WD is needed. For example reversing a trailer or boat up a incline or something. With Auto hubs they keep locking and unlocking and then there's a chance of gear bind up. So, Auto hub plate in the bin.

Thanks Hodge and EddieOlsen, might have to look into this too. Maybe long-term it is the better, safer, answer,
Cheers

FWIW: Our family wagon GU auto hubs were absolutely perfect for our past needs staying in cab without switching between school runs down the short highway and then feeding horses out in the wet paddocks on the way up to home. Smashed some of Tasmania’s iconic west coastal tracks too by locking them in for strength when needed. Their only downfall found that I never believed could but did oneday eventually happen was stubbornly continuing to run gear oil in its transfer case like its original era manuals stated. Auto transmission fluid is lighter and found needed in later manuals for GU auto hubs. The thicker transfer case gear oil of old will slightly rotate your front tailshaft just enough to spook the auto hubs into lock.

EDIT/Disclaimer: Please do check other threads I kindly learned off here too and your updated manuals beyond your 1999 edition [emoji120][emoji120]

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My first GQ had auto hubs, it did some wild stuff and I never had an issue with them.

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FWIW: Have laid beside/roadside watching our old wagon GU and truly seen it happening/ front tailshaft twisting when in 2WD supposed to be auto-unlock times [emoji22]


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I don't have any problem with the autos, but intend to replace with genuine manual hubs if I ever get a front Lokka.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MB

FWIW: Have laid beside/roadside watching our old wagon GU and truly seen it happening/ front tailshaft twisting when in 2WD supposed to be auto-unlock times [emoji22]


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This is literally how I found out the clicking/clacking noise from my drive train were the Auto hubs having trouble deciding to lock or unlock. And it happened to be in @mudski 's drive way many years ago after he pointed it out to me and then educated me to send that shitty auto plate into oblivion.
Fully manual FTW!

That’s the GO Hodgey Mate, although we did retain the OEM auto hubs needed after simply changing the transfer case to thinner fluid as mentioned worked for us, still going strong I hear[emoji1696][emoji23]


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I haven't read the answers in the thread yet. but if they're nissan factory you can manualise them by taking out the autolock washer.
the hubs themselves are a lot stronger than most people need i wouldn't worry about overloading them unless you're really thrashing it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mihit

I haven't read the answers in the thread yet. but if they're nissan factory you can manualise them by taking out the autolock washer.
the hubs themselves are a lot stronger than most people need i wouldn't worry about overloading them unless you're really thrashing it.

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thanks for the heads up

just found this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S0Plk7Yscg