How badly do auto hubs suck? Would it be worthwhile to nab the hubs off the parts tracker to stick on the new $100 one (which has auto's)? Do auto hubs mess stuff up?

Auto Hubs are for your grandma, when
she starts slipping in the snow and don't
want to get out. Throw those things as far
as you can, and put manuals on, then get
out and lock your hubs before the snow is
a problem  

Wild

I've run with my hubs locked on the other Tracker since winter... is there any negative effects of leaving them locked?

 A little gas mileage. That's it.
Yes, auto hubs if used heavily, will break front ring and pinions, aluminum stuff, and maybe more if you are into it heavy at the time. Ask Heather.

Auto hubs are going into the junk pile tomorrow

Anyone check to see if the drive flanges of the Vitara model work on the Trackick versions?

This makes the front axle rotate continuously, but there is no hubs to lock, no auto hubs unlocking, just pull the t-case lever and go....

I ran the manual hubs from my kick on my Grand Vitara, so it should work the other way around.

Mac

The GV V6 is a whole different kettle of fish, you fit the whole axle or the third member but you can't mix and match the R&Ps. I'm currently having a steel GV axle rebuilt to go in my truck. The 5:83 R&Ps have to be fitted into the Track/Kick carrier and then the carrier fitted into the third mamber, its not possible to retain the GVs freewheeling mechanism

I love my auto hubs.  Never broke one yet.  just dont do neutral drops in 4low.  I also run 33x12.5s and gets a lot of abuse.

The GV V6 is a whole different kettle of fish, you fit the whole axle or the third member but you can't mix and match the R&Ps. I'm currently having a steel GV axle rebuilt to go in my truck. The 5:83 R&Ps have to be fitted into the Track/Kick carrier and then the carrier fitted into the third mamber, its not possible to retain the GVs freewheeling mechanism

I would agree with this there is an actuator that slides back and forth in the housing to engage the axle, that is what makes it free wheel, but given that on the GV the front axle is turning continuasly and by running manual hubs it will save a ton of fuel, but the hubs them self from an gv are the same setup as an autohub sidekick.

Yup they suck. lol

I love my auto hubs.  Never broke one yet.  just dont do neutral drops in 4low.  I also run 33x12.5s and gets a lot of abuse.

It's not the hubs that break.  
It's the Alum other parts.
Time will tell.
~Nate

if it's the other parts that break, then it's not fair to tell him that auto hubs suck.  I personbally am totally lazy and like the fact that I dont have to get out and turn them on.   The only downfall I have is when I'm stuck with one wheel in the air, and trying to rock the truck, they disengage if you're not careful

0

Anyone check to see if the drive flanges of the Vitara model work on the Trackick versions?

Yes, it fits. Infact in other countries you can find a Kick with factory drive flanges instead of auto/manual hubs.

 The thing is, the auto hubs CAUSE aluminum and other parts to break. I've seen it with Heathers truck with no locker and small tires, because they have the bad habit of unlocking when you back up to get another run at something and when you have the go pedal applied, the hub will realize that it needs to lock, and then...... BOOM!!!! Something broke.
You're right, it's not the hubs fault that the aluminum and other stuff broke with small tires. The aluminum is a bad weak spot, it breaks even with manual hubs. But it lasts longer with manuals. The autos are just too inconsistant.