Basic Hub and 4x4 Qs

[Slackd]

Ok, after many months, and with this forum’s help, I have my ‘69 L60 engine running like a champ. Thanks all.

Now on to the next thing to tackle, 4x4 operation.

My Patrol has non working Warn M49 locking hubs, both in bad shape and one seems beyond repair. As Warn M49 hubs seem impossible to find, I have ordered and received AVM 507 locking hubs (from eBay, shipped from Greece, $192 total cost). Looks like they will be an easy install.

A few Questions…

-what type of grease should I use?
-there is a C clip installed tight to the protruding axle, but not a C clip on the outer edge of the axle, though it looks like one should be there. Thoughts?
-Once I have hubs installed, what is the procedure to put this bad boy in 4x4 mode? I have no idea what other issues I may encounter. It’s likely been a long long time since 4x4 was used. I’ve read the owner’s manual but thought I would hear from the experts.

Thanks, as always
Dave

[Esteban]

Dave,

The 4WD operation and the hubs are pretty straightforward.

If you are going to be in a situation that will require using the 4WD, it is better to have the locking hubs engaged beforehand. Like if you are at the beginning of a trail. Don't wait for the problems or lack of traction to appear to try to engage the hubs.

Keeping the hubs locked doesn't pose any adverse effect at all on the Patrol or any other vehicle. Marginal fuel savings can take place driving on the highways in the "free" position. In fact, the 60 series Patrol never had locking hubs from the factory. It was always a dealer option here in the States.

Once the locking hubs are in the "lock" position, to engage in 4WD you just pull the corresponding lever. It can be done with the vehicle driving, but not slipping in the mud. There you must be stopped. So probably is always better to engage the 4WD when the vehicle is stopped. It doesn't matter what gear you're at that moment, and it will engage better if you're pressing the clutch. To disengage from 4WD, you stop the car and shift forwards the lever. Sometimes you have to back up a few feet while at the same time moving the lever.

For the installation of the locking hubs, you just have to put a little coat of bearing grease on the splines. The hubs itself will come already lubricated. Regarding the C-clip, you will have to measure the diameter and buy a new one. McMaster Carr is a posible source: https://www.mcmaster.com/circlips/

Don't forget to post some pictures of the install.

[Slackd]

Thanks Esteban. I have not yet installed new hubs, but will on Friday. Last night I attempted to move the 4x4 transmission from 4x2 to 4x4 without success. I could move the high/low shifter from neutral to low, but not to the high position. So, no real success in the 4x4 project. I’ll install the hubs tomorrow and carry on.

Thanks for the response.
Dave

[L60Boerne]

Dave,
Don't give up on the shifting. Like my old joints...it sometimes takes times to get them moving. Several of mine are hold to shift.Unless they are rusted solid they will move eventually. One more thing I learned....use cheap gear oil. I used synthetic on several of mine and it was toooooo slice. It ran right past the seals.I dumped it and went back with standard gear oil.

Keep smilin....... till you're patrolling.
L60Boerne

[Slackd]

Best response ever!

[RiverPatrol]

Yes, the transfer shifters can get pretty sticky when they have't been used in many years. I've crawled underneath and put some grease on the sifter shafts before then worked it from inside, that seemed to free them up. Just make sure the trans is in neutral, then you won't hurt anything.

[Slackd]

Off with old, on with the new.

[RiverPatrol]

Nice. Those were the ones from Greece on eBay?

[Slackd]

Yes. Quick delivery, no shipping cost. I was able to engage 4x4 today! It’s a tank.

[RiverPatrol]

That's awesome. Yeah, they're pretty unstoppable in 4 low.