- 265
- 565
- 93
- Location
- Portland, OR
I wanted to try the ECO Hubs in the sand and finally got a chance this weekend. 2nd gear off the line takeoff is the only place I have noticed a hit in performance since deleting the 2:1 hubs with the ECO hubs. I was a little concerned that it would impact my ability to get rolling, or otherwise reduce my sand performance, which is pretty important for me. It actually turns out to make the sand performance better. Folks familiar with sand driving will know that momentum is crucial for climbing dunes. Prior to the ECO hubs, 2nd gear wasn't fast enough to really climb any hills without digging in, but 3rd gear was really too fast to navigate the rough sand (whoops) that are usually at the base of the hills without feeling like I was thrashing the truck. Now 2nd gear is the perfect gear. Basically I lock it down to 2nd with the shift selector on approach to the hill, and then give it the beans. Basically winding the engine out gives me enough power and momentum for the hill-climb, but if I have a little too much speed, letting off gets me back under control quickly due to the engine braking. For my style of driving, now 95% of the time I only need 2nd.
I also found a wet area where fresh-water cut through the sand creating some steps. I was able to test the ability to climb some small sand-steps with the 2:1 hubs deleted, and I was pleased to find that other than needing to get on the stall convertor a little heavier than times past, the truck was able to torque over them no problem.
Below are a few of videos of me trying to stump the ECO hubs, I couldn't do it and this is about the most I like beating on my truck so I don't think I am lacking at all in off-road performance.
![1684725388010.png 1684725388010.png](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/653/653064-0ca8daf5224d997a47a6f98324251da3.jpg)
drive.google.com
![1684725287450.png 1684725287450.png](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/653/653062-71b4ae4f2e50b2e786410bcf67f25010.jpg)
drive.google.com
![1684725332662.png 1684725332662.png](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/653/653063-f403cbbe6d254d89eae2df168cb9c114.jpg)
drive.google.com
I also found a wet area where fresh-water cut through the sand creating some steps. I was able to test the ability to climb some small sand-steps with the 2:1 hubs deleted, and I was pleased to find that other than needing to get on the stall convertor a little heavier than times past, the truck was able to torque over them no problem.
Below are a few of videos of me trying to stump the ECO hubs, I couldn't do it and this is about the most I like beating on my truck so I don't think I am lacking at all in off-road performance.
![1684725388010.png 1684725388010.png](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/653/653064-0ca8daf5224d997a47a6f98324251da3.jpg)
20230520_144651.mp4
![drive.google.com](https://ssl.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/1x/drive_2020q4_32dp.png)
![1684725287450.png 1684725287450.png](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/653/653062-71b4ae4f2e50b2e786410bcf67f25010.jpg)
20230520_144547.mp4
![drive.google.com](https://ssl.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/1x/drive_2020q4_32dp.png)
![1684725332662.png 1684725332662.png](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/653/653063-f403cbbe6d254d89eae2df168cb9c114.jpg)
20230520_144614.mp4
![drive.google.com](https://ssl.gstatic.com/images/branding/product/1x/drive_2020q4_32dp.png)
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