A good explanation of old school tec! For a switchable locker, I have an OX cable actuated locker with a 3' cable leading to a solenoid with wires piggy-backing along the stock wiring harness to a switch on the dash. Reliable and quick activating for about 1k less than an ARB. Never having to chase down an air leak is one of life's blessings.
This is a great explanation. I got into an argument with a buddy about the difference. He was adamant that when you twist the hub to “lock” that it actually gave you equal power to both wheels, like a “locker”. I kept telling him you need a “locker” installed in the diff to do that. The hubs don’t do that.
Easy to convince him just by locking his hub, lift the tires off the ground, the spin just one of the front tire. If front tires spin in OPPOSITE direction, then the two front tires are not locking together. Locker will make the tires spin exactly the SAME direction.
@hhurtly No, the locking hub is just for the front wheels, you want the rear wheels to have all the power for drifting sorry it took me two years to see your comment to tell you this. Also I'd recommend agaisnt this most offload vehicles are raised with a more what I'd call sponges suspension so your chances of body roll causing a flip onto your side are greater while drifting due to these factors. Best of luck
From what I learned on other videos you don't explain it fully: the best fuel economy is not obtained on just unlocking the hubs, but at the same time putting the vehicle in 2WD, otherwise in 4WD with hubs unlocked yes you remove some drag from the front tires but you still spin front drive shafts, front axleshafts and front differential for nothing (and increase wear on all the front U-joints for nothing). One advantage of the locking hubs as you said is yes if you break an axleshaft you can go in 3WD, or if you break 2 axleshafts 1 in the front and 1 in the rear you can go in 2WD like that :)
correct. but some older vehicles doesnt had an actuator/lever to disengage their 4wd systems, means they doing permanently 4wd all the time. i think thats the very first purpose of the lock hubs really is. just imo, cmiiw.
These used to be called free wheeling hubs or locking hubs. Before they existed, 4x4 front axles were all full floating with a fixed hub to axle attachment. The free wheeling hub was a bolt on upgrade that allowed you to disengage both front tires so they can free wheel. Lockout? That is when your ex changes the locks on the house.
I have a roommate that insists auto hubs lock out the 4wd system! He’s 56 and I’m 60 and he’s adamant that the auto does all the work! I say everything still turns if you have auto hubs of any make and model!
I like the gold old fashioned Detroit Locker for my rear Dana 44. It’s a weekend topless caged out 4x4 some I don’t worry too much about long road trips
A lock-out can be installed without setting up the differential. Not exactly sure what you mean by used AS an open differential - it can be used WITH an open, or locked differential. If used with something like an Aussie locker ("automatic" or "lunchbox" locker) which in 4wd with both hubs locked, would send equal power to both front wheels, if you unlocked one hub, all power would always go to the locked hub. This will make steering a little easier, but it is not at all the same as an open differential, because in that scenario it's only ever sending power to one wheel. Hopefully that makes sense!
A lock out (locking/unlocking or "free spin" hub) does not replace a differential locker. If you want the ability to apply equal power to both wheels when off road, then you still need a locker inside the housing.
My truck is rwd with an open differential. When one tire has no traction, all the torque goes to the tire spinning with the other tire just sitting there. if I put lock outs on it, will the lock outs force the two tires to spin equally? Or do I need a locking differential. I don’t really want to spend $1500 on a locking differential
I have a question. So what i understand is that even if u have a front diff locker, you would still need locking hubs/lockouts for them to work is that right??
A diff locker is not required for locking hubs and vice versa. For example a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes with an electronic locking front differential but no locking hubs. Installing locking hubs on that particular vehicle would have little benefit. A different example would be a 1999 Ford Super Duty which would usually have front locking hubs but an open differential. Any style of locker in that front axle would not change the on-road 2WD driving characteristics. Hopefully that helps your understanding
You did not answer the question I need answered. Can I safely drive in 2wd while manually locked at the hub? And explain why it is ok or not ok. Thank you.
All that is happening in 2wd with the hubs locked is that the wheels are turning the axle shafts, differential, and front drive shaft. In 2wd with the hubs locked, you are disconnecting power from the transmission at the transfer case. Unlocking the hubs allows the wheel to free-spin without turning the axle shafts. If you were to engage 4wd while the hubs are unlocked, the front driveshaft, differential, and axle shafts will spin when driving, but the axle shafts will free-spin at the wheel. None of this will inherently damage anything. If you have a front locker engaged, and only one hub locked, all power will go to the wheel with the locked hub. Unlocking the hubs for street driving saves a lot of wear and tear on all the aforementioned components. Allowing the wheels to free-spin at the hub means less mechanical drag on the driveline and can result in improved fuel economy. Free-spinning wheels can also lighten the steering feel. The only scenario in which you definitely would not want to drive on the street in 2wd with the hubs locked is if you have a spool in your front differential. Most people do not run a spool in the front of their rig.
I have an air source to the front diff. I have lock outs on the right and left front hub AND a dash "dial" indicating 2w/4wh/4wl. It's a 2003 f250 super duty 6.0L stick. So do I have a float and air actuated locker??? Or is it electronic? Thanks for the help.
Unless your hubs have an "auto" setting the only thing the dial is doing is shifting the transfer case. The only thing an air line to your front differential would be for is a locker, but sometimes air lines and electric lines look similar so unless you know for sure it is connected to a compressor it could be an electric line for either the hubs or an e-locker.
@@MountZionOffroad I turned the hubs, then moved dial to 4wh while stopped. I can leave the hubs turned on for the day, stop and use the switch (2w/4wh/4wl) when conditions are needed. End of the day I stopped vehicle, moved dial to 2w. Turned hubs to off position. Thanks!
A lockout can not replace a diff lock right? Like, if you have have a fwd car with an open diff and install lockouts you can only make the car less capable right ? Or funny example, you have the same fwd car, install lockouts and open one side for the night then people won't be able to steal it because the differential will drive the unlocked side but the wheel won't turn ? Thank you
You're correct that in 2wd without a locker, an unlocked hub will receive all the power put into the differential. These do not replace, or provide the same function as a differential locker.
@@MountZionOffroad okay, it's just somebody posted an ebay link of lockouts under a diff lock topic and he confused me. He thought lockouts are a cheaper diff lock alternative
Street manners would be unaffected, yes. Having absolutely no give in your front differential is very hard on the shafts, u-joints, and hubs when lock outs are engaged. Sure you can get out and unlock one or both hubs on the trail so you can steer, but how often do you want to get out of your vehicle especially if you're with a group?
Mike lists one reason briefly at about 3:00 - if you have a locking differential and break an axle shaft, you can often unlock that hub and still use the locker. Another reason he didn't mention that some people who use an automatic locker (such as Spartan or Aussie) do is to unlock one hub for a little easier steering on the trail.
Hi am from india, how can i select the free wheel locking hub for my vehicle. what is criteria for selection, things to keep in mind. i have force gurkha. thanks
I'm sorry, we don't have any information on those vehicles as they seem to be only available in India. They appear to be similar to a Suzuki Samurai, so possibly there is a kit available for those that would work on your car.
They are a great option for a budget build, and can easily be installed yourself since you don't have to set up the gears again like you do with a full carrier replacement!
Just saying there are different types of off-roaders. Those who know and those who throw money at other people to know. You're video is directed at the latter
@@MountZionOffroad at what point when you lift a Jeep do you NEED to get new driveshafts? A lot of people talk about a lift kit from company abc but usually don’t mention if they replaced the drive shafts. Subscribed, thx
A good explanation of old school tec! For a switchable locker, I have an OX cable actuated locker with a 3' cable leading to a solenoid with wires piggy-backing along the stock wiring harness to a switch on the dash. Reliable and quick activating for about 1k less than an ARB. Never having to chase down an air leak is one of life's blessings.
This is a great explanation. I got into an argument with a buddy about the difference. He was adamant that when you twist the hub to “lock” that it actually gave you equal power to both wheels, like a “locker”. I kept telling him you need a “locker” installed in the diff to do that. The hubs don’t do that.
Glad we were able to help settle the debate 😅
What will the hubs do then? Are they enough for off road and will they work on an AWD 2012 denali?
Easy to convince him just by locking his hub, lift the tires off the ground, the spin just one of the front tire. If front tires spin in OPPOSITE direction, then the two front tires are not locking together. Locker will make the tires spin exactly the SAME direction.
Never in 40 years of driving offroad have I heard of a lockout. A locking hub is a locking hub as far as I know.
Appreciate your feedback Gary, thanks for watching!
If i want to drift on the street with a offroad car is a locking hub gonna make my car drift or what
No lmfao dudes confused i think@@hhurtly
@hhurtly No, the locking hub is just for the front wheels, you want the rear wheels to have all the power for drifting sorry it took me two years to see your comment to tell you this. Also I'd recommend agaisnt this most offload vehicles are raised with a more what I'd call sponges suspension so your chances of body roll causing a flip onto your side are greater while drifting due to these factors. Best of luck
From what I learned on other videos you don't explain it fully: the best fuel economy is not obtained on just unlocking the hubs, but at the same time putting the vehicle in 2WD, otherwise in 4WD with hubs unlocked yes you remove some drag from the front tires but you still spin front drive shafts, front axleshafts and front differential for nothing (and increase wear on all the front U-joints for nothing).
One advantage of the locking hubs as you said is yes if you break an axleshaft you can go in 3WD, or if you break 2 axleshafts 1 in the front and 1 in the rear you can go in 2WD like that :)
You are correct
correct. but some older vehicles doesnt had an actuator/lever to disengage their 4wd systems, means they doing permanently 4wd all the time. i think thats the very first purpose of the lock hubs really is. just imo, cmiiw.
@@catkudaterbang7277 yes
These used to be called free wheeling hubs or locking hubs. Before they existed, 4x4 front axles were all full floating with a fixed hub to axle attachment. The free wheeling hub was a bolt on upgrade that allowed you to disengage both front tires so they can free wheel. Lockout? That is when your ex changes the locks on the house.
Thank you sooooooooooo much. I could not find anyone to explain this to me. Liking and subscribing!!!! keep up the good work.
Great information. Always wondered about lockout hubs and I’ve been around him for 55 years or more. Great information. Thanks very much.
Glad to help!
I have a roommate that insists auto hubs lock out the 4wd system! He’s 56 and I’m 60 and he’s adamant that the auto does all the work! I say everything still turns if you have auto hubs of any make and model!
I like the gold old fashioned Detroit Locker for my rear Dana 44. It’s a weekend topless caged out 4x4 some I don’t worry too much about long road trips
Hard to beat that simple reliability!
Super simple explanation thanks!
You're welcome!
Never in my life have I ever heard of hub locks or locking hubs being referred to as "lock outs". Not once, not ever.
There's a first time for everything I suppose. Thanks for watching!
@@davidforster8707 yeah I'm confused also lmfao
Very informative
GOOD EXPLAINATION.
I always just referred to these as either a locking hub, or a locking differential🤷♂️
Never knew they called locking hubs lock out's.
The more you know!!!
same...
One puts you in the mud the other gets you out of it.
So much truth to that haha
Thanks ! You explained it really well.
Glad it was helpful!
Just bought 1999 f250...lol thanks I learned something
"lock outs" Mainly known as a free wheeling hub in Australia
They are often labeled as as “free spin” hubs or kits when purchased as an accessory
it says locking hub on it... that's what it is..
Very clear explanation, thanks.
You are welcome!
Excellent!👍
Very clear information. In our country LockOut called Free-Lock 😅
Quick question if I have a Ford 9 inch rear axle which is better or recommended ARB Air Locker or ARB E-locker (electric locker) ?
Great video, Thank you
A Lock-out can be installed later ? And used as open differential in the front?
A lock-out can be installed without setting up the differential. Not exactly sure what you mean by used AS an open differential - it can be used WITH an open, or locked differential. If used with something like an Aussie locker ("automatic" or "lunchbox" locker) which in 4wd with both hubs locked, would send equal power to both front wheels, if you unlocked one hub, all power would always go to the locked hub. This will make steering a little easier, but it is not at all the same as an open differential, because in that scenario it's only ever sending power to one wheel. Hopefully that makes sense!
Thank you so much very good explanation !
Glad it was helpful!
now we have a new word to the 4 wheeling world "lock OUT" those use to be call "hub locker"
Different strokes for different folks I guess--thank you for watching we appreciate your input!
Dumb but quick question do you do still need a locker inside the housing even if you have a lockout ? Or do you choose one or the other ?
A lock out (locking/unlocking or "free spin" hub) does not replace a differential locker. If you want the ability to apply equal power to both wheels when off road, then you still need a locker inside the housing.
Thank you for the great info
Thank you
So the confusion comes from customers calling locking hubs lock outs. I get it.
Thanks, it's very useful
Glad it was helpful!
I thought a lockout was when you leave your keys in the car
LOL yes, it can be that
My truck is rwd with an open differential. When one tire has no traction, all the torque goes to the tire spinning with the other tire just sitting there. if I put lock outs on it, will the lock outs force the two tires to spin equally? Or do I need a locking differential. I don’t really want to spend $1500 on a locking differential
You need a locking differential
I have a question. So what i understand is that even if u have a front diff locker, you would still need locking hubs/lockouts for them to work is that right??
A diff locker is not required for locking hubs and vice versa. For example a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes with an electronic locking front differential but no locking hubs. Installing locking hubs on that particular vehicle would have little benefit. A different example would be a 1999 Ford Super Duty which would usually have front locking hubs but an open differential. Any style of locker in that front axle would not change the on-road 2WD driving characteristics. Hopefully that helps your understanding
You did not answer the question I need answered. Can I safely drive in 2wd while manually locked at the hub? And explain why it is ok or not ok. Thank you.
All that is happening in 2wd with the hubs locked is that the wheels are turning the axle shafts, differential, and front drive shaft. In 2wd with the hubs locked, you are disconnecting power from the transmission at the transfer case. Unlocking the hubs allows the wheel to free-spin without turning the axle shafts. If you were to engage 4wd while the hubs are unlocked, the front driveshaft, differential, and axle shafts will spin when driving, but the axle shafts will free-spin at the wheel. None of this will inherently damage anything. If you have a front locker engaged, and only one hub locked, all power will go to the wheel with the locked hub. Unlocking the hubs for street driving saves a lot of wear and tear on all the aforementioned components. Allowing the wheels to free-spin at the hub means less mechanical drag on the driveline and can result in improved fuel economy. Free-spinning wheels can also lighten the steering feel. The only scenario in which you definitely would not want to drive on the street in 2wd with the hubs locked is if you have a spool in your front differential. Most people do not run a spool in the front of their rig.
Part of the confusion is what people call them. Those are locking hubs. The other is called a differential locker.
I have an air source to the front diff. I have lock outs on the right and left front hub AND a dash "dial" indicating 2w/4wh/4wl. It's a 2003 f250 super duty 6.0L stick. So do I have a float and air actuated locker??? Or is it electronic? Thanks for the help.
Unless your hubs have an "auto" setting the only thing the dial is doing is shifting the transfer case. The only thing an air line to your front differential would be for is a locker, but sometimes air lines and electric lines look similar so unless you know for sure it is connected to a compressor it could be an electric line for either the hubs or an e-locker.
@@MountZionOffroad I turned the hubs, then moved dial to 4wh while stopped. I can leave the hubs turned on for the day, stop and use the switch (2w/4wh/4wl) when conditions are needed. End of the day I stopped vehicle, moved dial to 2w. Turned hubs to off position. Thanks!
Well put
Awesome!
A lockout can not replace a diff lock right? Like, if you have have a fwd car with an open diff and install lockouts you can only make the car less capable right ? Or funny example, you have the same fwd car, install lockouts and open one side for the night then people won't be able to steal it because the differential will drive the unlocked side but the wheel won't turn ?
Thank you
You're correct that in 2wd without a locker, an unlocked hub will receive all the power put into the differential. These do not replace, or provide the same function as a differential locker.
@@MountZionOffroad okay, it's just somebody posted an ebay link of lockouts under a diff lock topic and he confused me. He thought lockouts are a cheaper diff lock alternative
Wouldn’t it be just fine to weld the front diff. And install lockouts to engage when you need it ?
Street manners would be unaffected, yes. Having absolutely no give in your front differential is very hard on the shafts, u-joints, and hubs when lock outs are engaged. Sure you can get out and unlock one or both hubs on the trail so you can steer, but how often do you want to get out of your vehicle especially if you're with a group?
Why would you want to unlock them (in the case nothing breaks and whilst normally off-roading)
Mike lists one reason briefly at about 3:00 - if you have a locking differential and break an axle shaft, you can often unlock that hub and still use the locker. Another reason he didn't mention that some people who use an automatic locker (such as Spartan or Aussie) do is to unlock one hub for a little easier steering on the trail.
LOL.. my daughter would say.. "He's maansplaaaining" lol
😆
Why does he keep calling the locking hub assembly a lock out?
Hi am from india, how can i select the free wheel locking hub for my vehicle. what is criteria for selection, things to keep in mind. i have force gurkha.
thanks
I'm sorry, we don't have any information on those vehicles as they seem to be only available in India. They appear to be similar to a Suzuki Samurai, so possibly there is a kit available for those that would work on your car.
@@MountZionOffroad Thanks a lot
"locking hubs" is the more common term for "lockout"
Say it louder for the mall crawlers
Lol, what bout red and green?
So a lock out it just a locking hub? I'm lost on the term lock out.
Only terms I know are hubs and lockers
That is correct.
I thought about the auto lokker
They are a great option for a budget build, and can easily be installed yourself since you don't have to set up the gears again like you do with a full carrier replacement!
I've never seen anyone ever get those confused 😕
Thanks for the input, and thanks for watching!
You mean lockers and manual hubs
Just saying there are different types of off-roaders. Those who know and those who throw money at other people to know. You're video is directed at the latter
More education please
What would you like to learn about?!
@@MountZionOffroad at what point when you lift a Jeep do you NEED to get new driveshafts? A lot of people talk about a lift kit from company abc but usually don’t mention if they replaced the drive shafts. Subscribed, thx
What a info mercial lots of talk but extremely little info as to the Locker construction....
Thanks for the feedback & thanks for watching!
arb are the worse locke equipment can some one use
Like this video but maybe talk Like we are adults lol
LOL fair enough
Annoying Voice.
Good feedback. Thanks for watching!
Riveting comment