NP229 question

[derf]

Ok, I have an NP229 SelecTrac in my '85. I want to put lockout hubs on it to reduce driveline wear on the front axle when I'm in 2WD mode. However, I have heard that this is not good for some reason. Can anyone clarify?

[RustyJeep]

As long as you make absolute certain that the hubs are locked before you throw the switch when 4x4 is needed, it's alright. If you engage 4x4 with the hubs unlocked, it'll blow the viscous coupler in the transfer case in no time. So it's a matter of blocking the human error factor. :D Murphy is always one to prey on situations like that.

[ June 02, 2002: Message edited by: RustyJeep ]</p>

[Dive 30]

Derf,

I have this mod on my G-wag from a previous owner and I haven't seen any benny's from locked or unlocked on the front via gas mileage. You might save some on the u-joint and double cardan on the front drive shaft, but bearings will wear the same. My wife drives Gwen regularly, so I keep my hubs locked in just in case she needs the 4wd. She doesn't know and does not want to know how the 4wd drive works, therefor asking her to lock in the hubs is like asking George W. to vote Democrat.

Just my .02

Phil

[derf]

Well, I'm really not expecting one iota of change on my gas mileage, I just want to reduce wear if I can, where I can. And, if I decide to upgrade the rear axle to a full floater (I'm thinking Ford 9" or D60) with lockout hubs, I'll be able to flat tow without having to disconnect the driveshafts.

[Lindel]

I'm not sure if the axle disconnect in your's will stop the drive shaft from spinning or not. I do know that on my 87 that was shift on the fly, the front shaft, and axle u-joints never had a failure, and were still in excellent shape when the vehicle was wrecked.

In fact, it was in 4wd as much as it wasn't. No apparent wear issues on the tires, or on the joints. BTW, I had and drove it for about 3 years before parting it out.