anybody out there done the hub conversion to free wheel? I know that the kits go for $1500-1800 uninstalled and wanted to know about the installation process as well as the feelings of other Dodge Cummins owners.

 

Not sure what you're talking about....

 

Go from auto hubs to manual hubs. Never heard of any one with a dodge doing the conversion. So I have no clue.

 

Why would you want to go to manual hubs? I'd rather have auto..

 

supposedly better fuel economy and manual hubs are stronger. I would prefer manual hubs but not for that price.

 

I do know that the hubs last longer. I talked to a guy from Dynatrac and he told me that Dodge approached his company (Dynatrac) about getting 2-3 thousand kits from them so that they could offer it as an option on the new Dodges. Dynatrac couldn't have that many units available at the price Dodge was willing to pay them. I would like the option but am hesitant to pay the $1,800 for the kit. I think it is way too much work for the "shade tree" mechanic.

 

The best time to do it is when your unit bearings go out. Then you replace them with the free spin kit. Helps "offset" the cost a bit.

I did the auto to manual on my Ford SD and it's really not that bad. If you cna change the unit bearings, ball joints and know how to dissassemble / assemble a u-joint, you'll be fine. I have auto hubs, but then again, the hubs on the Dodge aren't really auto. The only place anything is disconnected is at the t-case. On the Fords, they use that all-to-often-to-fail vaccuum actuated CRAP!

 

You can't service the factory bearing, I heard some talking about putting in grease through the ABS sensor.

Also if the bearing fail on you ,I heard people paying over 1500 for just replacing parts on one side.

The bearing are spaced farther apart and can be serviced on the free spin, I was hoping to wait till I need new bearing and do it , just need to get them bought and sitting first

 

The unit bearings are unserviceable, but will only run about $400 a side for OEM parts. You can get each unit bearing for around $190 from NAPA.

The reason guys wind up paying $1500 for the bearings is 1 - the friggin labor or 2 - they wait so long that they damage the stub shafts, u-joints, brakes, etc.

If you don't catch it quick, it'll grenade a few different things.

 

I think its not worth the hassel or the coin. Did it on my P.O.S. chevy and hated every thing about it (same concept)