The automatic locking hubs went about 3 years ago and to replace them it cost around $800. This is because you have to replace both of them at the same time. And now this year they have gone again. I don't think this is common but if it is would someone write and let me know? Also at 158,000 miles the head gasket blew, I had to rebuild the whole engine because it warped the head so bad that it had to be replaced and the rest of the engine parts also were bad from the heat.
Although I really like this vehicle and I do not want to part with it, I would like to have the 4 wheel drive back without it costing me $800 every time it breaks....
Dude - just get some aftermarket manual locking hubs - like Warren, or any other manufacturer. I did, they work great - sure I have to get out and adjust when I need them, but no big deal.
Man, you have had some bad luck get manual locking hubs.
The Reason that they are saying manual is that in all vehicles the manual locking hubs are more reliable. In case you didn't know.
Andrew Davidson.
If you do want to keep your auto locking hubs, go with Warn, they have the best (that I know of) auto locking hubs, but they may be a little more expensive. If you want your four wheel drive back for cheap, from here on get some manual locking hubs from Toyota.
Auto locking hubs were never designed as tough as manual locking hubs. They're more costly to replace and are likely to break again and again depending on the type of conditions you drive in, whether you get stuck and have to work your way out of a snow drifts, mud etc. If you'd like 4WD back without the high cost and the high risk breaking again, go with manual. By the way, this applies to any 4WD truck, not just Toyota.
I've had both types of trucks and the auto locking is great for convenience, but that didn't seem all that important when I broke my hubs in the middle of a snow storm and had to be inconvenienced in more ways than one!
Good Luck!
You're better off getting manual hubs, they may be a little bit more of a pain, but it's definitly worth it, stick with Toyota though, if you want 4 wheel drive. I have an 1986 4 runner with 270,000 original miles on it, and I have only had to do little things to it. You just got a dud of a truck there...sorry...but stay with Toyota they will pull through for you, and you need to find somebody who does cheaper mechanic work...
Wheelin' chick of the year.
The auto locking hubs on the Toyota are one of the weakest pieces on the whole vehicle. I have an 86 4runner, with 230,000 miles on it, and I've only had to do the basic maintenance and replace the hubs. I found detailed instructions on how to switch from the auto hubs to manual locking hubs on a web site, and learned that the auto hubs disengage in reverse after a quarter turn. If you do any four wheeling (mud, snow, rocks, etc) you know the importance of four wheel drive in both forward and reverse. I highly recommend switching to manual locking hubs. The reliability and the gaining of two wheel low (low gear on the transfer case with the hubs unlocked) far outweigh the convenience of auto hubs.
All of the things being said here are very true about the automatic hubs. Automatic hubs were only intended for minor use. An automatic hub also works like a limited slip differential. You may not always have both front tires spinning, and yes your automatic hubs will disengage in reverse with the shifter still in four wheel drive. That goes for any make of automatic hubs.
I would definitley go for a set of manual hubs. You could even look for a wrecked 4runner with manual hubs. You will be very pleased with them and will not finding yourself struggling on the trail with them. Just remember to get out and lock them before you hit the mud, and carry a set of gloves to wear when unlocking them.
Happy Wheelin'
TK.
Sry tk I byaccidentally clicked that your coment be deleted, didn't mean too.
Anyway, Automactic locking hubs do typically brake on the older 4X4's, just get some manuel ones by warn, they will last for as long as your engine will run. You may have to get outa yer truck to engage the four wheel drive, but it's worth it, plus only pansies get the automactic locking hubs. lol, joking.
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