Manual Locking Hubs (Knuckle Universal?)

I would like to install Manual Locking hubs on my 02, but I do not want to press the Aisin (gray) locking hubs into my current knuckle. I drive it daily so I can’t be without mobility. The question! Can I purchase the knuckle assembly on anything from 94-02 with Aisin (gray) locking hubs and it’ll fit directly? Internet part stores say yes but we all I know it sometimes lies. I know ABS is a topic of issue so that’s begs the second question. What years have the ABS? Thanks y’all

 

i think they all could have had abs. Dont quote me but in the early stages of the taco it was an option. then it became standard in 98 or 2000 again I forget. gl. Manual hubs is where its at.

 

Ok.

If you want manual hubs, you need to replace the wheel hub on your spindle (what you call a knuckle).

The spindle is the same whether the truck is a Prerunner, 4x4 ADD, or 4x4 Manual hub. The difference lies in the wheel hub for the 3 of them.

Wheel bearings fortunately are the same.

Anyway, if you have one of the 3, and wish to switch to another, guess what? You'll need to press out your old hub and get the right one pressed in.

You could simply source another set of spindles for the appropriate application.

I assume you're 4x4, so you'll also need different cv axles. You'll also need to acquire the manual hubs themselves not to mention modifying your diff tube. As for ABS, the spindle will simply have the tab for it (if equipped).

 

Okay so then its agreed. I can use a spindle with a manual hub from any Tacoma model 1994 to 2002 and it will fit my 4x4 ADD. The only thing that needs consideration is the cv axle. Does this mean it’s possible to use the cv axles from the sourced spindle and manual hub truck? Will the inner cv axle fit across 1994 to 2002

 

@Kwikvette

Surprise you didn't suggest tons and 4dz

 

It's not agreed, it's a fact

This stuff is repeated many times over, really easy to find.

A manual hub cv axle, will fit vehicles equipped with manual hubs. The years aren't something to use as a 'guide' if you go through parts stores as many times they're incorrectly listed.

Just know that if you want manual hub parts, stick with a '1996-2000' search. Manual hubs weren't made available to Tacoma's after 2000, but that's not to say you can't convert a 2001-04 to manual hubs.

You forgot to acknowledge my mentioning the diff tube extension; you will need to make it 'fixed'.

 

I'm going to tell everyone IFS and 31s from now on

 

Tons and 31?

 

Diff tube extension, it seems this is the first place I’ve see. mentioning this piece of information. Is this a common over looked step?

 

If you know how the 4x4 system in a Tacoma works, the rest all falls into place.

On an ADD vehicle, when you engage 4x4 (whether it's via push button, where applicable, or move the shifter on a J-shift), the vehicle sends a signal to the actuator on your passenger-side extension of your differential. This actuator then 'engages' thus allowing power to go to the front wheels.

In a manual hub setup, the extension does not utilize any sort of actuator and works in an already 'engaged' position.

You can swap out a few parts and replace your diff extension, or simply hose clamp your current ADD setup into a fixed position.

 

I have a 2000 with manual hubs. No ABS or traction control. They should not be a problem in setting up the hubs, they are just glorified screws after all

 

If I don’t mess with the diff, wouldn’t the ADD setup with Manual Hubs allow me to achieve 2 Low?

 

Legit question;

Do you actually rock crawl or go on technical trails to require 2L? Even then, 2L is convenient for the few feet needed to use it but not required really.

I don't mean to insult you or anything but I guess I'm trying to figure out what your end goal is, and figure why you need to change something that works?

 

No offense taken. I’m not rock crawling for fun, purely work truck. I’m more of less confused why I need to mess with the actuator. I guess the right question is what happens if I don’t lock the vacuum actuator or swap it for manual. When I engage 4hi/4lo and actuator engages, will it struggle to line up with the manual cv axles?

 

You mess with the actuator to make the diff tube 'fixed' the way the diff tube works on a factory-equipped manual hub setup.

This way the only thing needed to engage your front end are your manual hubs. That's once you're in 4x4 since your transfer case is what will direct power to the front.

 

Okay, so I don’t have to swap it out but it’s also not needed. Sounds like it comes down to willingness to swap the Axle tube out now versus later when it might break. Thanks for the input. Appreciate the patience. I see you’ve answered a lot of questions regarding this topic in other forums.

 

Lots of good info presented here in the thread already but this might actually help as well. A very good visual and walk through (since you have 4WD already and want to move from ADD to manual locking hubs). Tim covers everything in this one. I'll edit this post shortly with a few pics of the actual hardware.

https://youtu.be/1TpOYj0sUpA

You can either re-use your knuckles (which will require pressing out the ADD hub and will also destroy the bearing at the same time) or in interest of saving time and possibly money, source a couple of knuckles off a manual hub tacoma or 4runner.

Knuckle with ABS speed sensor port -


Manual Hub -



Manual Hub AISIN lockouts -


You'll still need the hardware for the lockout to mount to hub as well as all relevant seals, bearings, spacer ring, etc. That is if you were to re-use your knuckles. It all depends on your situation. If you can afford the down time and want to completely rebuild from scratch then you would go this route. If you want to save time and potentially some coin, source the entire assembly off a manual lockout truck. Tim's vids cover it. Check them out. Also see part 1 if you want to see a good overview from Jordan's perspective.

One word of advice, stick with toyota bearings and toyota hubs. Sure you can find them MUCH cheaper aftermarket but I've read enough glitter dust horror stories now to know I'd rather pop for toyota hubs and bearings - which is exactly what I did.


Happy wrenching