Auto-Hubs unlocking in reverse?

[WhiteTrash]

Hi guys, great site and a real wealth of information.

I've recently acquired a stock UBS69 Bighorn with a 4JG2. I really like the truck due to its comfort, space but without being too big. Tday when having a little lightweight play around, I got it into a hole I needed to reverse out of. As soon as I loaded it up in reverse the R/F auto lock hub (I assume) semi unlocked and mad a god awful ratcheting noise and no front wheel drive. It would clunk a bit and when loading gently would engage but then as soon as the load ramped up, same thing. I got towed out no worries and then driving home going around a corner I got a big "clunk" from the right front and a horrible grinding whine like a bearing had collapsed.

After a bit of a poke around at the roadside I guessed the hub was locked back in (despite 2wd being selected) but it took a couple of really hard launches in reverse before it came unstuck and disengaged.

Is this a common fault or is it likely something is broken in the hub mechanism.

My plan is (if it makes sense) to lift the suspension a couple of inches. fit some slightly larger tyres and use it as a family truck but I'm wondering how much of the driveline I'll need to replace to get it reliable now. Or is the answer just fit a set of manual hubs?

Any advice gratefully received.

[stardog]

I had auto hubs on the wizard couldn't get rid of them quick enough what a pain in the ass.
No problems with the manual hubs I would be putting manual hubs on if I was you.

[geeves]

long term you should look at manual hubs. There was a couple of bighorns at picapart but I think the hubs are gone. Get second hand factory Asin hubs in preference to aftermarket.
Short term dismantalling and regreasing will probably fix them.
The Wizards had a free wheel in the diff which I thought was a good idea but a few people have had issues with them

[stardog]

since I got rid of auto hubs fuel economy has improved as well.
I'm looking to get a a diff housing with out the soft system like the MU going to ring a few wreckers this week I want to get rid of all those vacuum lines so when I need 4x4 just throw the lever and lock the manual hubs in.

[WhiteTrash]

Awesome, thanks for the comments chaps. I think I'll get the front up and have a thorough going over the whole thing and see what needs doing. Replacing the hubs is as easy as just old ones off, replacements on? No other mods needed ya reckon?

[stardog]

To easy changing hubs over you will notice the difference all you need now is a diff lokka in the front diff.

[geeves]

you need a different size circlip on the axle but thats all