Automatic 4x4 Hubs - Infamous Nissan

normmus · 02-23-2019, 06:09 PM

My 1988 D21 4x4 has automatic hubs. How do these work? Are they reliable? I'm a bit concerned with reliability.

Is it possible to just swap them out with manual hubs?

dvdswan · 02-23-2019, 07:56 PM

Auto hubs are good when they work. They need regular maintenance, clean and lube. To swap to manual hubs you just remove the 6 screws and pull out the auto hub and then install the manual ones. It can be done with the wheels on but it will be easier with them off.

OldGreyBeast · 02-24-2019, 04:17 PM

I had the auto hubs on mine when I bought it and they broke in short order. One of mine got to where it would try to engage while I was going down the highway at speed. It would make this absolutely horrible noise.I've had Warn manual hubs on mine for the last 5 years or so and I've been much happier with those. I hear the mile Marker ones are fine as well.

ThermiteBasedToys · 03-28-2019, 09:46 PM

I've never seen auto hubs work on these trucks. My experience is limited though maybe the harsh AZ desert sand is what makes them deteriorate fast here.

Also as a side note on my truck the instructions on how to use the auto hubs are beneath the driver side sun visor. If you give me some time I could take a pic when I'm out of work.

02-23-2019, 06:09 PM	#1
normmus Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: SK Posts: 8 Vehicle: 88 D21, 75 620, 52 M37 Thanks: 3 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Automatic 4x4 Hubs My 1988 D21 4x4 has automatic hubs. How do these work? Are they reliable? I'm a bit concerned with reliability. Is it possible to just swap them out with manual hubs?

02-23-2019, 07:56 PM	#2
dvdswan Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Port Orchard, WA Posts: 4,836 Vehicle: 96 HB Thanks: 160 Thanked 667 Times in 590 Posts	Auto hubs are good when they work. They need regular maintenance, clean and lube. To swap to manual hubs you just remove the 6 screws and pull out the auto hub and then install the manual ones. It can be done with the wheels on but it will be easier with them off. __________________ Dave 96 HB XE SAS'd D44 3-link on 35s http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2618002

02-24-2019, 04:17 PM	#3
OldGreyBeast 1986.5 HB 4x4 3.0V6 Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: North AL Age: 32 Posts: 3,748 Vehicle: 1986.5 Nissan D21, 1987 Mercedes 190D Turbo, 2010 Mercedes E350 AWD, 2017 Honda CBR500R Thanks: 346 Thanked 451 Times in 393 Posts	I had the auto hubs on mine when I bought it and they broke in short order. One of mine got to where it would try to engage while I was going down the highway at speed. It would make this absolutely horrible noise.I've had Warn manual hubs on mine for the last 5 years or so and I've been much happier with those. I hear the mile Marker ones are fine as well. __________________ Build log for the Beast - https://beastbuildlog.blogspot.com - Last Updated 18 OCT 2016

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03-28-2019, 09:46 PM	#4
ThermiteBasedToys Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Arizona Age: 24 Posts: 67 Vehicle: 92 D21 V6 5spd 4x4 SE King Cab Thanks: 39 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	I've never seen auto hubs work on these trucks. My experience is limited though maybe the harsh AZ desert sand is what makes them deteriorate fast here. Also as a side note on my truck the instructions on how to use the auto hubs are beneath the driver side sun visor. If you give me some time I could take a pic when I'm out of work.