ADD HUBS Standard on 1st Gen 4wd Tacomas?

Hello Everyone,

Are ADD (automatic locking/unlocking) hubs standard on my 1998 SR5 4wd V6 Tacoma?

I have that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach telling me that I just asked a really stupid question... I am willing to take any deserved abuse for my ignorance, but please remember that you are dealing with the elderly. Having said that, if you feel the need, don't hesitate to start your reply with 'Every 4th grader knows...' or something worse, I can take it.


Thanks in Advance!,

Donn

 

Yes for the most part 1st gen Tacomas from 1995-2004 used ADD. A very small percentage came from the factory with manual hubs.

 

Thanks! That's what I needed to know. And thanks to both of you for your courtesy and (most likely) your restraint.

Take care,
Donn

 

The correct answer is most likely but there are a few running around with locking hubs

 

All of you folks are an invaluable resource. Thanks so much

 

Jesus Donn. My 3rd grader knows that.

Kidding of course.

Actually, pretty sure my son does know a thing or two about my 4x4 - he has helped me install all sorts of stuff on my rig.


Not a dumb question, but I'm more curious why you are asking. Are you trying to determine if what you have was modified, or are you trying to figure out if you have ADD or not... (Some of us have ADHD)...

 

I'd be curious to know when Toyota stopped doing manual hubs completely...was it when they did the facelift on 1st gens in 2001? Seems like you really only see them occasionally on early model 1st gens.

 

I think you're right. '00 was the last model year I saw it.

 

You are killing me here Mr. Brant, but I am sure that your son does know more than I do. Maybe your dog does too!

Seriously though, the reason I asked the question is that one non-Toyota mechanic wondered if my Tacoma spins its front axles even when it's in 2wd mode which if true seemed to me to be a good way to wear out the front wheel drive components before their time. So I decided that if I did not have ADD, I would look into manual locking hubs. But now that I know better, they are off of my research list.

Again I really appreciate everyone's input. This is a great group.

Donn

 

Glad to be of service!

At least I make someone laugh. My wife just rolls her eyes.

But as jberry said, the add, while does technically wear the components more, it's not that much, and our trucks still reach astronomical mileages. If you think about it, it no different that CVs on any front wheel drive car, constantly spinning, and they usually don't explode in 50,000 miles.

What destroys CVs is lifting the truck and not adequately compensating for the higher CV angle, which usually comes in the form of a diff drop kit (just spacers and move the front diff slightly to reduce the angle at the CVs.

Some (many?) purists will actually source older oem or aftermarket locking hubs and convert them as they feel it is "better?" Is it? Depends. But probably not any more... technology has more or less moved beyond the need for manual hubs in most situations.

 

In my PreRunner 4x4 swap I went with manual hubs simply because it's easier. You don't have to mess with adding vacuum lines or running electrical to use an ADD system. It's purely mechanical.

I feel like people convert to manual hubs simply because of that; it's simple mechanically. Less things to break. I've seen people swap their power doors for manual doors just because "there's less things to break"

But to each his own, I suppose.

 

True, there is certainly less "stuff" to malfunction, and in a swap I can see why it'd be easier. I just don't hear about a lot of ADD failures, on or off road, so I think it comes down to what people are used to, and personal preference.

 

I've seen a lot more people use manual hubs in PreRunner conversions. Only seen a few ADD conversions.

 

Converting pre-runner to manual locking hub is simpler - less things to connect (electrical, and vacuum).

There are some benefits of manual hubs: possibility to use 2L option (switch t-case to 4x4L with hubs not locked), also lubricating t-case while driving on pavement (switching to 4x4H with hubs unlocked).

The big inconvenience of manual hubs is when driving some dirt muddy road you get stuck and now you have to use 4x4. To do that you have to leave your warm cab, jump in your brand new shoes into the freezing rain and knee-deep mud and lock front wheels. Not fun.
I know, I have manual hubs.

 

I used to have manual hubs on my '86 4Runner. Yeah, not fun when you need 4wd *after* getting stuck.

I can't imagine a time when I'd want low range 2wd. Especially since it's so easy to get into 4lo with my fancy-pants button. I still haven't even done the grey wire mod on my taco, just haven't needed to do donuts that much, lol.

I also lube my t-case like a real man - by driving it off road in 4wd...