[Stinger]

or rather unlocking hubs. Going to install the Warn hub conversion very soon and it will require me to replace the wheels to accommodate the larger extended hub. Very seriously considering Mickey Thomson's MTZ (285s) on MT's Classic Lock Wheel. So the question is: has anyone run either the tires or wheels or both and what is the verdict on them?

 

[sleepsontoilet]

Re: LOcking Hubs

Not sure, but I wanna say RDL runs those wheels

 

[KingRubiconMan]

Hey Stinger, Warn doesn't make this kit any more. The line was taken over by Randy's Gear & Pinion. They just started shipping them, and didn't know much about them when I spoke to them on the phone. They said there are no installation instructions available, even though the kits are shipping now. Plus, they couldn't give me an exact hub opening dimension I'd need on my wheels. However it does sound like the stock Rubicon wheels will not work, which apparently you've already determined. Do you know the actual minimum size that the hub hole in the wheel needs to be? Since you mentioned 285's, you're planning on sticking with 16" wheels? I'll be following this thread very carefully. Thanks!

 

[Stinger]

So far as I know Northridge still has/can get them. Last time I tales to David he said 4 1/4 in for the hub. Staying with the 16s

 

[KingRubiconMan]

4 1/4" hole for the hub? This has me confused. Don't we have hubs with 4 1/2" bolt circle, and a 2" hole for the hub? I don't see how you can open up the hole to 4 1/4" in that case because you'd be inside the lug nut holes. So do you now go to 5 1/2" stud centers? If that's the case, you'll need to convert the rear axles to 5 1/2" as well if you want to carry just one spare. Can you educate me on this? Thanks.

 

[bob1340]

Warn built 2 different hub kits. The heavy duty kit used the same basic hub as the older CJ's with a 5 on 5.5" spacing. They also sold a kit with the smaller hubs which are similar to what you used to see on Ford Rangers. With this kit you can retain the stock wheels.

 

[Stinger]

4 1/4" hole for the hub? This has me confused. Don't we have hubs with 4 1/2" bolt circle, and a 2" hole for the hub? I don't see how you can open up the hole to 4 1/4" in that case because you'd be inside the lug nut holes. So do you now go to 5 1/2" stud centers? If that's the case, you'll need to convert the rear axles to 5 1/2" as well if you want to carry just one spare. Can you educate me on this? Thanks.

David at Northridge found me just what I wanted. The Warn conversion kit with the 5 on 5.5 pattern. Yes it does require the rear lugs to be changed. I have Superior chormolly axles in the rear that are dual drilled. I just need to pop the lugs out and put them in different holes. The conversion kit does not have the rotors that are required and they are the older CJs. I will have to have the outside diameter turned down and the center hole enlarged.
This brings me to the real question of this post. What are members experiences with the MT MTZ and the Classic Lock wheels :cheesy: s?

 

[KingRubiconMan]

Great information, Stinger! So is the 4 1/2" kit kapoot now? I believe Randy's has them. But maybe the 5 1/2" kit is stronger and therefor better? That rear rotor issue sounds like a real hassle.

Sorry, don't know about MT stuff. I know that Mike on this forum likes the E rated Toyo 285's. I'm running the Maxxis Bighorn D rated 285's and have been happy with them as well. As far the Classic wheels, I really can't get excited about fake bead locks, or fake anything else for that matter. It's fully functional, or it ain't going on my Jeep. :laugh:

 

[Stinger]

It's the front rotor that need attention. But a good machine shop can do this easily!

 

[KingRubiconMan]

Oh! The kit from Randy's come with the rotors. He carries the 4 1/2 kit as well. Maybe I should just buy that one and be done with it.

 

[Stinger]

I don't know and have never heard of Randy's. I know and have several Warn products. That is the reason I have gone with them.Plus I like the deal Northridge got me. Actually lower than the quote I got from them last year. I have to change wheels away from my Moabs anyway so I decided on the stronger 5 on 5.5 with the stronger Warn hub for that size. Getting the kit now. Wheels next month and tires in February. EJS is calling my name! Can't wait to get out of this damn snow and on some rocks!

 

[KingRubiconMan]

Regarding Randy's... My understanding is that Warn does NOT make locking hub kits any more. They sold the designs and rights of the products to Randy's Ring and Pinion who are now manufacturing and marketing a kit based on Warn's design. I never previously heard of Randy's either, and I'm no expert. But I've been told they're highly regarded. So if Northridge is selling Warn kits, they are left over inventory of a discontinued product. Again, that's my understanding. If anybody has information to the contrary, I'm all ears.

 

[Stinger]

Yup! My question to David was do you have access to the Warn kit? He called me back a couple of hours later.

 

[Stinger]

Warn built 2 different hub kits. The heavy duty kit used the same basic hub as the older CJ's with a 5 on 5.5" spacing. They also sold a kit with the smaller hubs which are similar to what you used to see on Ford Rangers. With this kit you can retain the stock wheels.

Can't keep the stockers. Center hole in wheel is too small for new hub.

 

['05TJLWBRUBY]

I'll have to dig, has anybody hear or seen mention of the "alloy usa" hub conversion kit??? I just saw a small thread on it in one of the new mags out-can't remember if it was 4wd & sport utility or JP mag, and now I can't locate either to find it. Fear they may have wound up in the trash. Anyway, saw the small clip about it being a new product with everything included to fit the Jeep bolt pattern (new style) and looked interesing, thought of this thread. Might be worth a search.

Best of Luck,

Mike

 

[Stinger]

Regarding Randy's... My understanding is that Warn does NOT make locking hub kits any more. They sold the designs and rights of the products to Randy's Ring and Pinion who are now manufacturing and marketing a kit based on Warn's design. I never previously heard of Randy's either, and I'm no expert. But I've been told they're highly regarded. So if Northridge is selling Warn kits, they are left over inventory of a discontinued product. Again, that's my understanding. If anybody has information to the contrary, I'm all ears.

Got the kit from David. What a surprise --the rotors were included. Not sure if all the parts were there because there was no paperwork whatsoever. No install instructions, no shipping invoice, and no packing list. Nothing. Emailed David and found that he in fact is now supplied by Randy’s. He sent my email to them and they replied with a power point presentation showing the install. Now I just have to wait for the next pay check to get the MT wheels.

 

[KingRubiconMan]

Ha! The plot thickens.

 

[bob1340]

Can't keep the stockers. Center hole in wheel is too small for new hub.

Sorry bout that, I meant to say stock bolt pattern. The Hd hubs are only for 5 on 5.5.
If memory serves me the hub kit works with the vanco brakes as well.

 

[RubiBlue]

Been buying parts from Randys for years. Mostly hot rod and racing stuff for drag cars. Always had good service and prompt shipping.

 

[KingRubiconMan]

I have Superior chormolly axles in the rear that are dual drilled. I just need to pop the lugs out and put them in different holes.

Hey Stinger, I'm starting to warm up to the idea of using the 5 1/2" hub kit for the increased strength. Can you tell me what I need for rear axles? I looked on the Superior site, and think I need the EV45 D44 axles, or the EV44 Super D44 axles; I'm not sure of the difference. Does that sound right? Are these axles an improvement over the stock Rubicon axles? Thanks!