new FSJ'r needs help

[gr8lite]

I finally got the 1987 GW I bought up and running/driving.(been sitting 2 yrs) I have a question. My GW does NOT have manual locking hubs. Can I put manual hubs on it? Thanks to all! :confused: :confused:

[Stuka]

That depends on the transfer case that you have. I am not a expert on late models, but you need to have a part time capable case to have manual locking hubs.

[ May 22, 2002: Message edited by: Stuka ]</p>

[gr8lite]

How would I determine that? It has the wonderful sucking air 2wd/4wd selector in the dash , and the dogleg hi/lo selector on the floor. 360 , 3spd auto. Thanks!

[porchpiggy]

Sounds like you have the NP229. This case has a viscosoius coupling connecting the front and rear output. This acts like a limited slip differential between front and back. There is no way to lock in high. You have, therefore, 2wd high, 4wd high in the full time mode (okay for pavement) and 4low locked (slippery surface only). You can put on locking hubs, but it could cause a problem. If you are in 4wd high with the front hubs "open" the transfer case will sense that the front wheels are spinning and it will "slip" in the visc coupling and create intense heat and destruction in very short order. If you were to drive in this position it would feel like the transmission was slipping, more slip with more throttle. The advantage of the case is that you can slip into full time 4wd at any speed (because all the front stuff is turning already), you can run 4wd all the time, and those that are less than knowledgable about 4wd can operate it without hurting anything. The disadvantage is that you can not limp home on the front drive shaft only, unless you do it in low range very slowly. Adding the unlocking hubs will make it possible for someone to screw things up seriously. You won't really add any fuel savings by installing them, and the wear saved is debateable. I run mine in 4wd all the time. :cool:

[Oracle]

Welcome to FSJ madness smile.gif heheh only way to be sure is to get down under the jeep. The transfer case will have a round metal tag, wipe it off and on the top it will have a number. either 228 or 229 most likely it is a 229 smile.gif

[Bob Barry]

As cool as it is to "lock in the hubs", we don't need, don't want, and can't use that on our Selectrac equipped FSJ's. Besides the negative reasons outlined above, you really won't realize any fuel-savings from disconnecting the front driveline; any improvement is marginal at best.