Re: Free wheel hubs Posted by Michael from Oz on December 10, 1998 at 02:47:05: In Reply to: Free wheel hubs posted by nicholas on December 04, 1998 at 22:04:18: G'day They are not really necessary. I fitted them new to two new 1980 and 1981 Land Rovers and they made little difference. For a long time, Land Rover would void your warranty if you fitted them as there is the possibility of transfer case damage if you engage four wheel drive on the move with the hubs un-locked. Their main benefit is to reduce wear in the front propshaft but as long as it is greased regularly, this is not a problem. The difference in fuel and speed in my new 1980/1981 Rovers was not really noticable. I have some on my 1951 model but only because the front diff is rather tired and needs some work. As a side issue, Wheels magazine - a well respected motoring journal here in Oz recently reported that lots of Toyota owners are presenting with failed front diffs. These are generally owners who have owned the car for some years and who have rarely used four wheel drive. Then they go on the big trip and the bearings in the diff fail. This is being put down to the use free wheeling hubs round town and the fact that the bearings never get to move and also are getting rusty from moisture accumulated in a cold diff. Don't really know though but it is food for thought. Michael
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