Locking to Auto hubs
 

OK, 1980 K10 Scottsdale - 350/SM(CH)465 & NP205. Corporate front diff with spicer hubs. Could I simply switch hubs from a donor 1983 GMC High Sierra with the automatic locking hubs and have them work on my rig?

Last winter was a PITA on my feet when it snowed!

Appreciate all the help.

- Dave

You could, but why would you want to?

Most people swap out the autos for manuals. The autos are known for not engaging, not disengaging, and breaking at the most inopportune time. :)

I think it would be a simple swap but yu will have to keep the autos maintained well.

When winter starts...lock your hubs and just shift in and out of 4wd as needed.
When winter is over, unlock.
You won't notice a huge decrease in gas mileage, since you are letting the truck sit and warm up first before driving anyway.
Don't use the auto hubs...they are garbage.

I have autos on my K5 and never have had a problem guess its a matter of opinion
Doc

Those auto locking hubs are junk. Just leave them locked as 1969 GMC has said. This will not cause any problem.

aww come on guys auto locking hubs are great at least for me because it pays well to swap em out for manual hubs that actually work when ya need em. auto hubs are junk flat out. there is a conversion for almost every single axle with auto hubs to change em to manuals for a reason

You will have to check the lock washer between the 2 wheelbearing nuts. On older trucks with manual hubs the washer is round. On trucks with auto hubs the washer looks like an x. You should have everything you need on the 83...


Chuck

And,you don`t have to lock them in all winter.Just when you feel you may need 4wd,like on days when it snows or when it`s patchy on the road.With hubs in lock you have "shift on fly" at your fingertips.I switched to manual.Autos have been known to fail and cause more damage.I`m sure there`s positive stories,too.

Thanks! I've had both, I just didn't know if they were interchangeable. Looks like a little more wrenching will let me know.

- Dave

I have to agree with the manual advice. Economy and piece of mind is worth a little twist of the hub. If your climate is like mine, the winters aren't that long. With the price of gas the manuals are an advantage.