Add plain flanges on the front hubs ???

I thinking about removing my warn lockomatic hubs on my 69 CJ5 and replacing them with the original plain flanges.

What would be the + or - in doing that.

I like the looks of the plain flanges on the front hubs better, but I'm not sure if it would be best to do that.

Have any of you guys tried this, and what was the outcome?

I need ideas:?

 

:iagree:

The only plus I can think of, it that you only have to engage 4WD at the transfer case, but if you know that you will be using 4WD a lot, just leave the hubs locked in.

 

There is a third option.

I have a pair o hubs up in my loft that look like stock full flange, but are configured with a bearing around the shaft. This allows the wheel to turn without turning the axle. These hubs hold the stock cap for the look you want, with the advantage of the floating axle.

The disadvantage of course is that 4wd doesn't work.

These would be good if you don't ever intend to use 4wd, like for a parade jeep or such.

I originally bought these and later bought a set of locking hubs.

 

Yea, I'm starting to prefer the drive flange look for originality as well. I think the Cutlass hubs look more like the drive flanges than anything else. That's what I'll be using from here on out, atleast on the stuff that doesn't or won't be seriously wheeled. The trencher will retain the drive flanges and the truck is set to wear Cutlasses at some point.

 

Use the drive flanges if you want. Jeeps came equipped with flanges through 1974, and they functioned just fine without locking hubs.

Any fuel economy change will verge on undetectable. If you keep lube in the front axle, turning the bearings and gears with no load should cause very little additional wear. Presuming you have an open differential in the front...

 

not necessarily if he has functioning lockomatics. they will pull even when unlocked if the are functioning correctly. if you plan on flat towing thats that much more work.

 

. if you plan on flat towing thats that much more work.[/QUOTE]
What's that much more work? Using the drive flanges or something with the lock o matics? I can see the extra work with the flanges.

 

It's hard to beat a set of good standard locking hubs. I leave mine locked in practically all the time (like drive flanges), so the vehicle is ALWAYS ready for 4WD. I don't do much daily driving with it, though.
I'll unlock them for flat towing.

 

What's that much more work? Using the drive flanges or something with the lock o matics? I can see the extra work with the flanges.[/QUOTE]

using flanges is that much more work

 

If you're using the drive flanges and you have any play in the front driveshaft slip yoke, you'll get a vibration a highway speed in 2WD.

 

I switched to flanges and I probably won't go back. I like the look and not having to get out when I need 4. I do like with looking hubs being able to put a locker in and not even feel it's there when it the hubs are unlocked.