Bobbed deuce, lockout hubs...worth it?

[ccf460]

I am starting to drive my project as it comes close to completion. I am thinking about adding some lockout hubs. My question , does it help steering effort on a bobbed truck? All the posts I read were always referencing stock 3 axle trucks. Hoping someone has bobbed their truck, then put lockout hubs on it, and can tell me the difference. Thanks.

 

[mdmorgan]

While we havn't bobbed it yet we are planning to put lockout hubs on my wifes deuce when we do, I figure it can't hurt.

 

[Brad Nitzke]

one problem you will run in to is that when u Bob it, you lose weight. and if you get in a soft spot the back will spin. just thoughts.

 

[caliber1]

I'm looking to put some on mine as well. Not a bobber, but have heard from multiple sources how much better it handles on paved surfaces with the front unlocked. How many people are making the hubs now? I know there was a backorder from Ouverson for a while.

 

[welldigger]

I drove a bobber a while back that had mile marker selectro lock out hubs on it. It actually drove pretty nice. That being said I have never drove a bobber without lockouts. I do know a set of avm lock outs are going on my 6x6 in the near future.

 

[RAYZER]

With the front hubs unlocked, you can feel the road.
Like a sports car!

 

[OD in my veins]

Can you try driving the truck around with the drive flanges off? This should give you the same effect as unlocking hubs and you can then determine if the benefits are worth the investment.

 

[porkysplace]

Can you try driving the truck around with the drive flanges off? This should give you the same effect as unlocking hubs and you can then determine if the benefits are worth the investment.

I wouldn't recomend doing it , unless you plan doing a complete front axle service. You will lose grease out of the bearings and collect dirt in them . Would you throw your bearing in the dirt then install it ? it would have the same effect.

 

[Hoefler]

I put a set on my A3, and found it to be money well spent
pete

 

[OD in my veins]

Good point. Put some duct tape over the open hub and run it.

 

[ccf460]

Any input on the duct tape idea? Seems like this would be a good way to test the concept

 

[Scar59]

General Hoefler,
I'm looking into installing lockout hubs on my A3, - what brand did you go with and did you modify the CTIS guard cover?
Thanks
JC

 

[Hoefler]

I got my lock outs from C&C Equipment. I think I paid about $550.00 for the set. They came with a new gasket and took 10 minutes a side to install. You will need to modify the CTIS cover-its simple however. I simply cut out a larger radius to clear the hub of the lock out. You will need to trim the two small brackets that secure the CTIS cover to the lock out hub flange. I did it with a small cut off wheel and a plastic lid to trace a nice radius.
I made the mistake of driving my truck through the wood with the front covers off-the piping got snagged on brush. The covers really do protect to plumbing.
You will be happy with the addition of lock outs. It wont make a huge difference, but a noticeable one. Truck will handle and steer better. Low speed steering effort is reduced a bit as well.
Picture shows the modified cover. My cut-out was a little large-it could have easily snugged the lock out a lot tighter. Would have looked better as well.
Pete

 

[Scar59]

Pete,
Thank you very much for the quick response/info. Picture is worth a 1K words. I'm interested in the AVM units myself, C&C seems to be the only reasonable source.
Thanks again
Joe

 

[welldigger]

Find someone who builds rock crawlers with the Rockwell axles. They sometimes have better prices on lockout hubs and diff lockers than the surplus dealers. Also cash seems to help reduce the price.....don't know why.

 

[ICAT]

I got an extra set of hubs for $50, went to the local community college and had them machined out 10 thousandth over for free. good to go. just takes alittle extra time to engage the front axle but time i have, money i don't