CJ7 Hub Locks-free spin

[chet h]

I'm looking at a 1982 Jeep CJ and the front hub locks spin all the way around. Markings for the 2 and 4 wheel settings are gone. How do I tell whether the hubs are locked or not?

 

[mtnwhlr]

If they spin all the way around I think the guts are missing and you will not be able to put in 4WD. Sounds like you need to start shopping for some new hubs.

 

[chet h]

Thanks my friend. Do you know how I can confirm this? I want to buy this Jeep but I want to be able to negotiate if the hubs are bad. Do you know where I would find new hubs and how much they run?

 

[BusaDave9]

Put the parking brake on. With the tranny in gear and the TCase in 2WD crawl under the jeep and rotate the front drive shaft. If you can rotate it then at least one of the hubs are unlocked.
Look at the U-joints near the hubs. Any u-joint that is not turning has a locked hub.
If you can't rotate the driveshaft then the hubs are locked.
Try locking the hubs and repeat the process. Since the jeep can't roll any hub that is locked wont' let that side of the axle rotate.

Here's some hubs for $123
http://www.carparts.com/details/Jeep/CJ5/Mile_Marker/Locking_Hub/1982/M20470.html?TID=80000000CP&origin=pla&CP=1&CP_SRC=PPC&id=cpmimalohu82jeepcj519811983milemarkerm20470841676&gclid=CNKzwZyo8bUCFaI-MgodQzoAHQ

 

[Bowbender]

If you put the Transfer Case in 4 wheel and drive in a tight circle on dry pavement, you should feel the front wheels "walking" or kindof jerking if the front hubs are engaged. A google search for locking hubs should get you an idea of cost for replacement parts.

 

[Bowbender]

If you put the Transfer Case in 4 wheel and drive in a tight circle on dry pavement, you should feel the front wheels "walking" or kindof jerking if the front hubs are engaged. A google search for locking hubs should get you an idea of cost for replacement parts.

BusaDave was quicker than me, probably a better answer too.

 

[chet h]

Thanks everyone. Other than the cost of the new hubs, they look fairly easy to replace. Another project I very much look forward to. My last Jeep was a 1980 CJ7 Laredo that I sold over 20 years ago to get a family vehicle (read mini van). I am now able to jump back in with the time and money to get another Jeep (or 2?). Some say you can never have too many. I greatly appreciate the advice. I'll post some pics in the future.

 

[chet h]

As follow up for those interested. I bought the jeep and the hubs were locked all the time. I replaced then with Warn OEM style hubs and they work great. I can feel the difference on the road now. So much better now that they unlock for on road use. Still works like champ locked for off-road too.

 

[Torxhead]

Thanks for the update, hope the rest of the vehicle is better than the hubs that came with it.