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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: atc_gv on June 21, 2006, 07:18:15 PM

Title: Hub conversion?
Post by: atc_gv on June 21, 2006, 07:18:15 PM

I was think of putting on the Warn Hubs and Hub fuse kit. Anyone using the fuse kit?
Thanks

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: the_maplebar on June 22, 2006, 06:44:57 AM

A couple people tried usng them on TrackKick's.  The CV's snapped before the fuses  :'(  The consensus was that the fuses are designed for stronger axles, not for suzukis.  If you search for warn hub fuse you should find some more info.

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: atc_gv on June 22, 2006, 05:41:03 PM

I was thinking that might be the case. So scratch the fuses. So what are the pro's and cons of running the manual locking hubs?

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: the_maplebar on June 22, 2006, 06:32:08 PM

First you have to understand a little about the shift-on-the-fly mechanism used in the GV.  It does not have automatic locking hubs, it uses drive flanges that are engaged 100% of the time which keeps the CV axles spinning all the time.  The front diff has a vacuum actuator that slides the internals over about an inch to engage the axle shafts when 4wd is selected.  When in 2h the axles are not engaged in the diff but they are still spinning.  Also the passenger side axle seal has been known to wear over time, so constantly spinning makes it wear faster.

Pro's:
- less wear on CV's, boots and seals
- can disengage axle's if something breaks and need to limp home in 2wd
- some report better fuel mileage

Con's:
- must lock the hubs to use 4wd.

Note that if you leave the hubs locked it is essentially the same as the drive flanges that are already on the GV so you can safely lock the hubs all weekend if you plan on using 4wd, or even all winter if you frequently encounter slippery road conditions.

Another benefit of using manual locking hubs is that you can swap out the 3rd member to remove the shift-on-the-fly since people have been known to have problems with the vacuum actuator coming off and loosing 4wd all together.

Take a look at this article for more info on the GV's shift-on-the-fly mechanism

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_030104/feature_tsb_shiftontheflyremoval.htm

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: JDMCRX on June 23, 2006, 11:08:17 PM

Best thing ever did.

Less wear on the diff
Gained 40-50km per tank on long drives.
Truck feels a bit more reposive.
Turns better in parking lots.

Only thing that sucks is having to get out and lock them lol

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: zuki4x4chick on June 30, 2006, 08:17:52 AM

I'm learning slowly about the G.V's

We run the older Gen Trackers offroad.........
Anyone ever heard about using older gen sidekick manual hubs rather than warn???

It's the same axle shaft spline count.......? Not sure about the hub bolt pattern..........

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: the_maplebar on June 30, 2006, 08:30:42 AM

Yes it works fine.  A couple members are running them, and I have a set waiting to be cleaned and rebuilt before I install them.

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: mfoster442 on June 30, 2006, 11:17:16 AM

I noticed on Warn's web site they only list hubs for 1999-2001.  Are there no manual hubs available for 2002 + ?

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: mfoster442 on June 30, 2006, 11:27:39 AM

Found my own answer.

SuperWinch list them for 1999-2004 if I read correctly.

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: AJMBLAZER on June 30, 2006, 04:33:02 PM

Any Sidekick/Tracker hub would fit a 99-05.  Aisin, Warn, Superwinch, AVM, etc etc.

I'd used a factory (Aisin) set on ours from a '93 Tracker.  If you can find them AVM makes good stuff but they aren't sold commercially in the US.  Warn would be my next choice but why?  You can get a used set of Aisins for cheaper.

Title: Re: Hub conversion?
Post by: zuki4x4chick on July 01, 2006, 10:47:06 AM

Cheap is better, after all we are Suzuki owners right????  :D