So I had a mechanic friend help me out yesterday. He/we changed out all 4 ball joints, center link, and tie rod assemblies. Upgraded to Moog greaseable ball joints, Moog center link, Deeza TRE's and AC's HD TRA's. Also swapped out wheel studs and lug nuts. Drives like a whole new truck!
But I digress...
In the process, I found that both my auto hubs are broken. The splined ring in both hubs is cracked into 2 pieces, but they're still intact in that they don't fall out of place. Pretty sure I know the answer, but just to clarify:
I can drive 2wd without worry, but shouldn't engage 4wd, right?
Also, what do you guys recommend for manual hubs? I've read more bad than good experiences with Mile Marker hubs. I've read Warn hubs are good/great, but that you shouldn't use the studs and should instead replace them with bolts like on the OE units.
What other options are there? I see CourtesyParts carries these manual hubs (
http://www.courtesyparts.com/40250-hub- ... cPath=532& ), but I'm not sure if they're any stronger than an aftermarket application would be.
I know a few guys run manual hubs from a '93-'94 Hardbody, but they're hard to find, and I'm not feeling up to the task of a wild goose chase; so I'm dismissing this as an option.
What are you opinions on this?