Autohubs CAN unlock going forwards (intentionally)

[Erebus]

Discovered something interesting the other day. Just for fun, switched from 4H to 2H while backing up. Wanted to see what the autohubs would do. They stayed locked. So I went forwards, still in 2H. And the hubs unlocked. Have tried it since, same thing.

So, we all haven't been quite right when we say you have back up to unlock. Apparently, and it actually makes sense, they unlock when you drive in the opposite direction from that you were travelling in when you went from 4H to 2H. That usually is going forward, so you reverse to unlock. But you can also do the opposite: go 4H to 2H in reverse, then go forwards to unlock!

I learn something new everyday Someday I expect this information will come in handy.

[jessef]

Yep. I posted that somewhere a ways back that they can unlock going forward as well.

[FalcoColumbarius]

I noticed that you reversed before you went forward, I believe this has to do with it. Often I have backed up six feet and heard the hubs disengage but the wheel lock light was still on and not until I drove forward did the light go out. Sometimes the light goes out within the first six feet of reversing. Sometimes the light goes out after thirty feet of reversing. I tried to disengage them by putting it into park, move the stick to 2H then drove forward (without reversing) for most of the lane and nothing happened. Put her into reverse.... heard a quite clunk and the light went out. Sometimes I have backed up ten feet, heard no clunk or light going out ~ put her into Drive and clunk and the light goes out. I put it down to vehicular personality. I think it depends on what sort of day the Miss Lil' Bitchi is having.

Falco.

[mararmeisto]

Either way, I'm still going to switch to manual hubs. That way I know when the hubs are/aren't locked.

[konadog]

Either way, I'm still going to switch to manual hubs.

You won't regret making the switch!

[fexlboi]

That way I know when the hubs are/aren't locked.

Any other advantage compare to auto hubs?

[Erebus]

Any other advantage compare to auto hubs?

They are much stronger, smarter, more beautiful, fluent in 4 languages ... okay, maybe just stronger.

[jessef]

That way I know when the hubs are/aren't locked.

Any other advantage compare to auto hubs?

Unlock the front hubs, switch into 4H or 4L and you have added traction when making tight turns while descending or ascending. Something you can't do with auto hubs.

Fewer internal parts. Stronger.

If it explodes, you can still drive away.

With an auto hub, if it explodes, you are stuck/unable to drive.

I had a Mitsu auto hub implode on me on a logging road in the middle of nowhere. Luckily I was with a Jeep and I grabbed a ride into town and found a set of used hubs off an old Dodge pickup that fit. Ever since then, I've put manual locking hubs on all of our vehicles that come with auto's as standard. It's just a precaution. I've heard of auto's lasting over a decade without maintenance. But the ratio of auto's lasting to auto's breaking/exploding is something to consider so I made the switch. That was over 10 years ago. All Mitsubishi hubs. (Montero, Dodge pickup, Pajero, Delica) They are all the same part.

The only advantage auto hubs have over manual hubs is the fact that you don't have to physically get out and lock/unlock them. But I consider that a convenience. Not an advantage.

[mararmeisto]

That way I know when the hubs are/aren't locked.

Any other advantage compare to auto hubs?

Unlock the front hubs, switch into 4H or 4L and you have added traction when making tight turns while descending or ascending. Something you can't do with auto hubs.

If the hubs aren't locked, how can switching to 4H or 4L make a difference? None of the drive is going to the forward wheels, so how can it make a difference? Is the gearing different in 4H? I know it is in 4L, but 4H?

[konadog]

Unlock the front hubs, switch into 4H or 4L and you have added traction when making tight turns while descending or ascending. Something you can't do with auto hubs.

4H, really? I use the 2wd (unlocked hubs) and 4L together fairly reguarly for slow tricky backups (no forward roll when releasing the brake in 4L and better, slower control) but didn't know / think there would be any point in using 4H. How does it help with traction?

[jessef]

You are correct sir's

4H is 1.0 ratio while 4L is 1.94 ratio.

[Erebus]

The only advantage auto hubs have over manual hubs is the fact that you don't have to physically get out and lock/unlock them. But I consider that a convenience. Not an advantage.

I'm often on a logging road or trail that is good enough that I can run in 2H, but I'll do it with the hubs locked, so I can switch easily. Then I come to the end and need to turn around using a 3-point or more turn. But it is still pretty good traction. As I back up, the hubs unlock. Then on the next backup, I go slightly too far and put the back wheels over the edge, and they spin going forwards. Now I want 4WD, but the hubs are unlocked. Grrrr. Traction was too good before to want to turn in 4WD, but now I'm going to get a nasty clunk when the hubs lock while not moving. Good way to destroy the hub.

THAT is a major advantage with manual hubs. Seriously considering it.