How easy is it to fit free wheel hubs?

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dmpl

New Member

Posts

22

Location

Oxfordshire

• Jun 6, 2011

• #1

As a newcomer to Series ownership I have a Series II which does not have free wheel hubs.
How easy are they to fit and can anyone recommend a reliable source - can't see any for sale on the forum.

Thanks
Des

 

D

dmpl

New Member

Posts

22

Location

Oxfordshire

• Jun 6, 2011

• #2

dmpl said:

As a newcomer to Series ownership I have a Series II which does not have free wheel hubs.
How easy are they to fit and can anyone recommend a reliable source - can't see any for sale on the forum.

Thanks
Des

Click to expand...

Going back through the forum, it seems that I don't really need FWH - now totally confused (it's an age thing!)

Des

 

oxides

Well-Known Member

Posts

5,078

Location

Worcs

• Jun 6, 2011

• #3

In 2 wheel drive the front driveshafts, diff and prop are all driven by the front wheels, adding friction and momentum changes which makes the vehicle less efficient (ie thirsty). Free wheel hubs allow the front drivechain to remain stationary, improving your MPG and lightening the steering a bit.
If your swivels are oil filled (as opposed to grease) you'll have to run the vehicle with the hubs engaged periodically to lubricate the top bush. You'll also have to engage the hubs to get 4wd - not fun if you're already stuck in mud. I had some on mine, they leaked all the time and, 'cos they stick out, I snapped one off on a rock, losing front wheel drive completely. (just before snapping a rear half shaft in the middle of Bath. But that's another story.) I replaced mine with plain hubs.
I suspect you'd need to be doing a fair few miles of (relatively) high speed travel (for a landy) to see any real benefit.

 

Oldseadog

Well-Known Member

Posts

9,270

Location

Tynemouth

• Jun 6, 2011

• #4

I fitted a pair of Power Train hubs to my Series 1 ... and 2 ... and 3, and it is straight forward.

Simply undo the 6 bolts from the drive flange and the FWH just slot on in their place. Remember not to run in FW all the time, as you do need to circulate the oil in the diff and the steering swivel balls, otherwise you could end up with the top steering bearing prematurely wearing out through a lack of lubrication, or having to relace the universal coupling if it has siezed.

Have fun, and fit the best that you can afford, and avoid the ones that need a spanner to engage/disengage the hubs.

Hope this helps.

OSD

 

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lynall

Well-Known Member

Full Member

Posts

25,769

Location

Kent

• Jun 6, 2011

• #5

Ive got the map ones on mine (these are the spanner ones) been pretty good no issues what so ever
They do make a difference to the drag of the vehicle, when i had my original diesel engine fitted i could tell when i had left them locked in, but i would say in a petrol engine it will be so minor you wont notice it, i certainly dont notice it now i have a tdi fitted.


Lynall

 

D

dmpl

New Member

Posts

22

Location

Oxfordshire

• Jun 7, 2011

• #6

Thanks for the very useful advice.

Des

 

A

aaronledwidge

New Member

Posts

168

• Jun 8, 2011

• #7

PM'd about a swap if you do still want some.

 

tottot

Well-Known Member

Posts

8,031

Location

west wales coast

• Jun 8, 2011

• #8

What ever you do,do not fit so called automatic freewheel hubs even if free. Had some once and they are very hard on the transmition.ps still in a box somewhere if your nuts

 

Last edited: Jun 8, 2011

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pornstarmax

Active Member

Posts

400

• Jun 8, 2011

• #9

Did have some on mine - difference is noticible, especially as the petrol engine isnt the strongest.

I changed engine and will probably refit at some point, as any benefit is worth it.....

...Like someone else already said avoid automatics - the bang on transmission is horrendous, and getting out especially on ice or in mud can be a pain in the arse...!