Lock o Matic Hubs versus Locking Hubs

I updated the front axle in my 3A build to a Dana 30 27 spline. I wound up with a set of used Warn locking hubs and a set of what appears to be NOS M241 Warn Lock O Matic hubs. Which is a better choice? Thanks.

 

Personal opinion is go with the non-lockomatics as the lockomatics can be problematic and require special spindle nuts. Some people like them though.

 

I have lock o matic on my 75, they work ok but if I were to have problems I probably just go with manual locking hubs.

 

To me, they just add extra complexity to an accessory that really does not do much under most circumstances. If you think you're going to need 4WD, just leave the hubs locked in. You don't really need locking hubs ... these Jeeps function just fine without locking hubs.

 

x2 ... I have manual lockers, but never unlock them, ever.

 

Thanks for the info. I believe I will use the locking hubs, less internal parts to go wrong.

 

I've had Lock-O-Matic's on just about all the Jeeps I've owned and like them. In my experience, they aren't much more maintenance than a normal locking hub and it's nice to be able to have 4x4 occasionally without getting out. The snow/ice thing is a problem if you don't manually lock them in but maybe the biggest draw back is just greasing the front driveshaft. You can't just turn it to get at the zercs.

 

I prefer manual hubs or none at all. In or out, simple. TBS, I am picking up a 49 3A next week with Dualmatics. Sort of a retro bonus....

 

I'm a fan of the Lock-o-Matics, as long as they are in good working condition. Many sets I have been around have been "bubba'ed" so they no longer operate properly. They are more complex than simple in-out lockouts, but if you have a fresh set, that is what I would use. They do require a special drag nut and lockwasher for installation that hopefully came with the new set.
If you don't end up using them, I could be interested in taking them off your hands.
-Donny

 

I had a set on a 1969 J2000 and i loved them. Alot of times like stoping to open a gate i couldnt get going agin so all i had to do was put the transfer in 4 wd and go. If i was going to use 4wd more i would lock them in. Most of the time i left them locked all winter. One time we were cuting wood a buddy had a 72 ford high boy that wasnt runing right got stuck. I pulled him out with out locking the hubs i wouldnt recamend this but the look on his face and anther ford owners that didnt know about the hubs was priceless. But also a FSJ and a CJ are 2 diffrent things if i had a pickup and a cj and one set they would be on the pickup.