Converting auto to manual locking hubs

[Madkaw]

I’ve searched and searched and there’s just not much info on this. I have a 83 with auto hubs and I want to convert to manual type . Warner makes the correct spline (26) hubs , but not sure what is involved or is it even possible? I read in one post that it was a bolt on deal , that was a 84 model . 

Anyone confirm or have a link to the procedure? I know nothing about 4WD front hub assemblies . 

[datzenmike]

I think it's bolt on if you put the earlier Nissan 720 manual hubs on the later trucks. Don't know about after market.

[MaxChlan]

Bump because I'm curious as well; from what I've read the manual type seems to be easier to work on in the future should anything go wrong. 

[Madkaw]

I found this , the only difference for me is that I have a 83 with 26 spline

 

 

Edited September 18, 2018 by Madkaw

[mxmikie]

it is a bolt on deal i did my 85 2 months ago

[Lockleaf]

I've done it as well.  The auto are momentum lock, the whole unit come off and you install the manual set.

 

Take one apart and look it over before buying anything if you want to reassure yourself.

[Madkaw]

Thanks guys - putting my order in. It seems Sumitt racing has the best deal -188$

[Madkaw]

Anyone want to verify that hub wheel bearings are all the same 2WD or 4 WD?

When you search wheel bearings it seems that it only comes up one type. It makes sense , but the 4WD does have different stuff

[bottomwatcher]

I have a 4wd and the rotors and hubs are different, I doubt the bearings are the same. If you disassemble the hub get the number off the bearing and shop with that info. Better prices and better control of the supplier. I get Japanese bearings and matching races from amazon. Once you have the number there are many bearing supplier's if nothing Japan sourced I go for timpken. Avoid Chinese bearings at all costs. Ordering  wheel bearings by truck model is a gamble.

[datzenmike]

Different part numbers. The 2wd front bearing is the same for the 620 with disc brakes and all 720 2wd.

[Madkaw]

I’ve been looking until I’m blue in the face. If I search 83 4WD , the search results rarely if ever differentiate between the two- like there isn’t a difference between 2WD and 4WD . The numbers on the old bearing are NSK , and not having much searching that way either. Ugh

[Charlie69]

Your best bet would be to take your bearings and races to a bearing wholesaler and see if they can cross it toTimken or some other brand or maybe be able to order the SK bearings.

Edited November 4, 2018 by Charlie69

[Madkaw]

I know ordering on line is a PITA. You have to be careful that you get the right ones. I ordered from Rock auto and got the race only - though the ad said race and cup. I’ve also seen the same part numbers used for two different bearings. Very few ads list actual dimensions which is what I am trying to use. 

[bottomwatcher]

The number on the bearing is not usually brand specific. I just normally use the number and many brands show up. Remember nissan didn't make bearings just used what was offered. Most towns of any size have a " bearing house" and drag what you have in there and with a quick measurement if no numbers are present they can order the proper bearing, but it will cost more.Same with seals i am far from my truck and parts so sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck 

[Madkaw]

5 hours ago, bottomwatcher said:

The number on the bearing is not usually brand specific. I just normally use the number and many brands show up. Remember nissan didn't make bearings just used what was offered. Most towns of any size have a " bearing house" and drag what you have in there and with a quick measurement if no numbers are present they can order the proper bearing, but it will cost more.Same with seals i am far from my truck and parts so sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck 

Well the closest city for that is an hour away. I was struck by the inconsistency of bearing numbers between vendors . Also, Rock Auto will call it a 4WD bearing when the measurements say 2WD. I did find SKF inner wheel bearings on Rock Auto site that had the correct dimensions, but most of the time the ad has no dimensions. 

Most searches show the same dimensions for all the 720’s , we know that’s not right

[bottomwatcher]

Yep I get it, I live in the sticks too. But if you have the old bearings in hand and take them with you to the bearing house they just whip out the calipers and will have replacements on the way. Take your seal with you too even if the numbers say nla when looking up online the bearing house can get them too. Sometimes it is just easier for folks who deal with this everyday to solve the problem even if it takes some windshield time and a couple extra bucks.

[Madkaw]

Well I ordered Rugged Ridge 444 hubs , ad says they will fit . After ordering Warn 60459 hubs and finding out they were wrong - ugh. 

Hope these actually work.

i did wind up getting the correct bearings .

[Madkaw]

They fit!

[BADDRINNON]

Im currently in the process of getting my 85 back on the road and this is something Ive been interested in doing also. Can you tell me exactly which hubs you got that fit? and where to get some? Did they work correctly after fitting? thank you

[Madkaw]

I should have updated this . They did not fit . I ended up rebuilding the auto hubs which I haven’t even tested yet. I just now am changing the U joints on the front driveshaft. My 5/83 front axles were only good for auto hubs . I would have to swap axles to go manual type. My axles don’t have a groove for the outer clip that holds the manual hubs. 

85 might be different . There’s a lot to consider , spline count , proper axle , etc

[]2eDeYe]

On 9/20/2018 at 4:48 PM, Madkaw said:

Well the closest city for that is an hour away. I was struck by the inconsistency of bearing numbers between vendors . Also, Rock Auto will call it a 4WD bearing when the measurements say 2WD. I did find SKF inner wheel bearings on Rock Auto site that had the correct dimensions, but most of the time the ad has no dimensions. 

Most searches show the same dimensions for all the 720’s , we know that’s not right

 

 

https://www.applied.com/categories/bearings/c/1859

 

While not necessarily local, they ship and have awesome customer service when it comes to finding the right sized bearing. 

[BADDRINNON]

14 hours ago, Madkaw said:

I should have updated this . They did not fit . I ended up rebuilding the auto hubs which I haven’t even tested yet. I just now am changing the U joints on the front driveshaft. My 5/83 front axles were only good for auto hubs . I would have to swap axles to go manual type. My axles don’t have a groove for the outer clip that holds the manual hubs. 

85 might be different . There’s a lot to consider , spline count , proper axle , etc

 

 

Thank you for that update. i didnt realize that date was november of 2018

 

[Stoffregen Motorsports]

15 hours ago, Madkaw said:

I should have updated this . They did not fit . I ended up rebuilding the auto hubs which I haven’t even tested yet. I just now am changing the U joints on the front driveshaft. My 5/83 front axles were only good for auto hubs . I would have to swap axles to go manual type. My axles don’t have a groove for the outer clip that holds the manual hubs. 

85 might be different . There’s a lot to consider , spline count , proper axle , etc

Are there threads in the tip of the stub axle? If so, you may be able to use a small bolt and large washer in place of the c-clip. This works when converting IFS Toyota hubs for use on a solid axle. Maybe worth a look.

[SLO720]

Here's a comment I made on another forum. I'm almost certain that if you have factory cv axles that they should be notched for snap rings

 

 

[bottomwatcher]

His had the splines continue to the end of the shaft without the groove for the snapring. I have made my own groove caveman quality and used a round wire snapring. There is a reverse taper in the splined part that engages the hub and it pressed the wire snapring into the groove. I really wouldn't call it a proper fix but the 82 and earlier halfshafts are NLA so you gotta do what you gotta due. On a side note while over serving myself some beer in my shop I grabbed a clutch alignment tool off the wall. Those splines match the clutch, the front outer halfshft and the trans output shaft. Just a little useless info.