free wheel hubs

[thommo123 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close thommo123]

Hi Guys/Gals,
I have just purchesd my mates dads 2002 Prado 3.4 petrol. It has 200,000 ks on ther lcock however is in mint cpondition. I have been told that to prolong the life of the front yytres and get better fuel economy I should fit free wheel hubs to the front. This is my first 4X4 and I am a bit uneducated in this area. Can someone give me some advice. It would br greatl;y appreciated.

Regards

thommo

[Schaffer Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Schaffer]

Re: free wheel hubs

There is an existing thread on this in the 120 section, altough your vehicle is a 90 series, but no real solution:
Manual Free Wheeling Front Hubs

I havn't heard of any after market gear to allow you to do this. 4WD Systems in Adelaide have kist for 80 seiers and 100 series. I have heard thet you can get better enconomy but never seen it proven. I personally would not bother.

[samo Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close samo]

Re: free wheel hubs

hi thommo, not sure could you install FWH but you will still be turning the front drive shaft and axles, as the prado doesnt have 2wd on the transfer, but in turn you will loose the added safety advantage of having 4wd when you really need it, fuel savings will be minmal, with constant tyre rotation you will maximise your tyre life, with my 120 i rotate the tyres every 10 000km, i have 40k on my tyres and they are about half worn, plus the added cost of the purchase of the hubs would be at a guess about $800 or more( correct me if im wrong), and yes it does go offroad lol. cheers samo

[thommo123 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close thommo123]

Re: free wheel hubs

Thanks guys for the advice. I Safety is the first priority. I will rotate the tyres every 10,000 ks and leave the hubs the way they are. Regards Thommo