Four wheel drive with a Dana 18 & locking hubs

[jdcaples]

I saw an on line ad for a '62 CJ3b and it looked like it has locking hubs and the twin stick Transfer Case (Dana 18?).

That made me question my understanding of Jeeps with the Dana 18.

I thought the Dana 18 was designed to engage with the front axle and drive the front axle, selectively, to make 4 wheel drive happen, no locking hubs, no getting out of the cab to lock 'em being required.

The CJ2a owner's manual says,

The shifting mechanism is located on the Transfer Case for engaging and disengaging the drive to the front axle, also for shifting the gears.

I've never seen or driven Jeep with a Dana 18 and a front axle with locking hubs. So I have to ask, is my understanding flawed?

If my understanding is not flawed, why would someone want locking hubs if the Transfer Case can selectively power - or not power - the front axle?

Why were locking hubs "an improvement," over selectively powering - or not powering - the front wheels at the Transfer Case ?

Lastly, wouldn't a rig with a factory Dana 18, a factory axle and aftermarket locking hubs need both the selector in the "Drive In" position AND the hubs locked for 4 wheel drive?

Thanks!

-Jon

PS: after reading this, I realize I don't know why we need locking hubs at all. My Dana 300 can drive the rear axle or both axles. I realize that I never thought about it until now and I realize that that I don't really know exactly what locking hubs do at all, now.

 

[Posi]

Is this a trick question?
The early CJ's came from the factory with drive flanges.
Everything in the front end turned while driving
With optional locking hubs one could disengage the front shafts saving fuel and wear.

 

[jdcaples]

Oh, so locking hubs allow a continually turning apparatus to turn freely from the constant friction of wheel drag. That makes sense.

I'm sure there are lots of things in my life of which I have incomplete understanding.

'preciate it!

-Jon

 

[Lumpy Grits]

It was a big part of KISS.
The 18's 2 levers were, 1 was used for 2wd-N-4wd. The other was hi or lo range.
The N is for run'n a PTO device.
LG

 

[Saddle Tramp]

Old Mr. Warn started making lockable/unlockable hubs in Seattle to allow front ends the free wheel and reduce drag improving mileage. That little invention lead to the Warn Industries we know and love today.