I have a 2001 Sport and I was wondering if any one of a manual locking hub conversion or a way to get manual hubs in an axle the same width and drop as stock. I have no way of shortening anything, so what fits, what's good?

 

You can get a hub swap kit but they are very pricey and you'd come out cheaper getting a front waggy D44 which has locking hubs. Most of the ones that swap in on the D30 are weaker than the factory unit bearings with the exception of the reid knuckle replacement but it and the D44 both have a larger bolt pattern.

 

I've seen a handful of people do a locking hub conversion and 30 spline upgrade to there D30. they're all really happy with it but it really is a huge waste of money on a D30.

 

Huge money for little, if any, gain.

 

Thanks, I figured to stock axle would be a draw back. So if I find a wagoneer D44, is it much wider then the stock front end? I want to stay away from the spraddled out look. What would be the best year/choice?

 

80s and up waggys just avoid the vac axles and it's 1/2" wider but you'll need to address the rear as well since waggys are 6 lug.

 

Not 100% sure but I think you can use Ford Ranger parts for a locking hub set up.

 

You still need to mess with the inner Cs. I think it's a dumb idea on a 30.

 

I agree. It's silly when you could buy a D44 for the same price as the hub conversion.

I've seen several of those hub conversions explode.