Auto vs manual hubs

I have a 96 3.4l, 5sp, 4x4 Tacoma. The frame is swiss cheese from rust. I just picked up a complete 95 parts truck with the same drivetrain combo and a pristine frame. The 96 has automatic hubs and the 95 has manual lockouts. My original plan was to swap in the 95 frame, complete with front and rear differentials. Are there any advantages to having manual or auto hubs? What changes to electrical or vacuum controls would I have to do if I used the manual hubs? Thanks!

 

With auto hubs you can switch into 4wd on the fly. With manual, you have to stop, get out and lock the hubs get back in. I am a auto hubs kinda guy.

 

Advantages to ADD (auto hubs)

-thicker shafts, stronger, but may only be a consideration if you're locked up front or running on 33's or bigger or wheel really hard
-easier to swap cv's, only one nut to take off not a bunch of little nuts and cone washers and pain in the ass parts
-don't have to get out of the truck to lock hubs if it's bad weather or you're in a hole of muck

Advantages to manual hubs:

-less wear on cv boots, when you're unlocked at the hub and unlocked at the transfer case the cv's don't turn, makes your boots last longer if you're lifted
-simplified system, less parts in the actual front differential locking system that can fail. ADD uses vacuums and switches and stuff

I have ADD, never broke a cv, only replaced them once in 275,000 miles
Friend has manual, had to replace cv's just as often due to worn boots from leaving hubs locked in winter, such a pain in the ass to change. Just my 2 cents

 

To tell the truth, I'm not much into wheeling. I live out in the country and have 4wd to be able to get around in the winter, if needed. I just wondered if it was worth my time and money for a front end alignment to use my original front diff when I did the frame swap. Of course I will have to verify that the rear gearing is the same if I swap the front but not the rear diff. Oh, wait... I wont need to change any suspension, just the differential, shafts, and hubs. Right?

 

My theory is KISS. If you want a reliable and bulletproof 4wd system, stick with the manual hubs.

 

I understand and agree with KISS.

 

Gas mileage is better with the manual hubs..I have a 4 banger I get 20mpg in town and 26-28 on the road

 

go with the manual hubs, if not, sell them to me