will manual hubs improve gas milage? if so how much.

 

they will free up moving parts so they will not be turning thus better gas mpg how much you have to tell us

 

It's barely noticeable and not worth the cost if you are doing it for mpg.

 

Older XJ's (80's) have the vacuum disconnect front axle that does the same thing, really unreliable and didnt improve gas mileage much at all. Thats why Chrysler got rid of it when they took over.

 

locking hubs help MPG a little bit but the real benefit is being able to disconnect the front axel if something brakes so you can still make it home without more problems. You can also run a mechanical locker without hearing the racheting action of the lockers.

 

This is why I'd want them. Run a locker in front without air. I've done some digging but can't seem to find anyone who makes them for a later model XJ. Did I miss any?

 

if mpg is the only reason you are looking into lockout then you probably shouldnt waste your money. there is no noticeable difference

 

its a whole conversion kit. it will run you $1000 plus for a good kit. or you could get some reid knuckles and stock 44 stubs, rotors, hubs, lock outs and calipers. check out ems offroad if your looking for a kit

 

you can run a lunchbox looker int the front and be fine, you dont need a 1000 dollar kit to do so

 

with a lunch box locker you can not disconnect if you break a shaft and in 2wd everything is still spinning.

 

do you know how a lunchbox locker and differential works? the locker only engages when there is power applied to it. I had a lunchbox in the front of my old 93 and never caused me problems, just ratcheted around turns. And who cares if the front drive shaft is always spinning? it doesnt affect gas mileage

 

The point he is making is if a shaft breaks you have to run with a broken shaft which don't work whereas with lockouts you can disconnect that wheel. Even in 2wd with a broke shaft and a locker you won't be able to drive it without removing the inner shaft.

 

it puts unnecessary wear and tear on the tc. the lockouts are meant to be the weak point in your axle instead of popping a u joint and taking out your shafts. if for some rear you do break something in your front axle you can always unlock and drive out without causing anymore damage. one of the best investments i made.

 

I just carry spare axle shaft for when stuff like that happens and fix it the field. I just dont see the point of dropping 1k on lock out hubs for a d30 when you can graft in a d44 for not much more

 

if you have the money why not spend it. each is own