Converting to manual hubs?

**ywgbandit** · 08-22-2017

I have a 2012 Ram 3500 6.7L Cummins 4X4 automatic and I really don't like the idea of spinning the front axle all the time. I don't "off road" I pretty much use 4X4 for winter driving and the occasional logging road in hunting season. Is there a way to convert the front hubs to a manual engagement without breaking the bank? What parts or kits are recommended? Is this even possible?

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**DDP** · 08-23-2017

Yes sir there is! Couple to choose from is Spyntec and dynatrac.

I'll shoot you a pm with some more info for ya.

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**9mgcb81** · 08-23-2017

Converting isn't hard to do or that costly

Just like most things the biggest cost you have is quality of the parts you use

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**Rhinopkc** · 08-29-2017

After installing quite a few, I'm really impressed with the quality of the Dynatrac conversion. That being said, I've never seen the value of converting, and I sell the things, so you would think I would try to talk people into buying them, but I just can't try to talk people into things I wouldn't put on my own truck.

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**ywgbandit** · 08-31-2017

Originally Posted by Rhinopkc

After installing quite a few, I'm really impressed with the quality of the Dynatrac conversion. That being said, I've never seen the value of converting, and I sell the things, so you would think I would try to talk people into buying them, but I just can't try to talk people into things I wouldn't put on my own truck.

Do you not think there is a lot of preventable wear and tear on the front end? Or is it just not cost effective...please explain?

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**Rhinopkc** · 08-31-2017

There is just not a lot of wear happening when no power is being applied. Everything is bathed in oil, and it's even argued in some circles that you should run your 4wd periodically in vehicles that have disconnect, to keep everything lubed and seals pliable. Hundreds of thousands of miles are put on trucks that do not have disconnects without issue.

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**walla2k5** · 08-31-2017

Originally Posted by Rhinopkc

There is just not a lot of wear happening when no power is being applied. Everything is bathed in oil, and it's even argued in some circles that you should run your 4wd periodically in vehicles that have disconnect, to keep everything lubed and seals pliable. Hundreds of thousands of miles are put on trucks that do not have disconnects without issue.

Agreed with the lubrication. I'll also add, when the components are engaged, you're generating heat. Which in turn can eliminate some of the condensation or contamination, that will accumulate in the differential.

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**ywgbandit** · 09-01-2017

OK then, valid points. I guess there is also the fact that when you do engage the front end you don't need to worry if it's actually going to engage. My old Ford F-350 with the vacuum operated hubs would sometimes go 5 or 6 truck lengths before the hubs would engage. With this system it's instantaneous engagement. I was worried about excess wear, but like you say, it's not under load. Thanks for the input!

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**gberge** · 09-22-2017

I used the spyntec to convert my 2009 2500. I chose to convert so I could loose the hub bearings that only lasted 40k. The kit was well built and allowed for annual greasing of the spindle bearings. The kit also allowed for the speed sensors to be out of the elements. I did not see that much of a fuel increase but I never had to get towed home from hub bearing failure for the last 120k of ownership. I am now considering doing a conversion on my 2017. If the hub bearings fail quickly it's a no brainer.

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