i installed EMS offroad hubs. cost $900 - spindle bolts inplace of hub unit, service able tapered wheel bearings and 2" wider bearing support. original hub unit is 3 1/2" wide, this is 5 1/2" wide - tires larger than the stock will wear out the hub unit faster. and has Warn hubs to unlock from the front diff save 1-2mpg, less vibration and wear/tear on equipment - originally would drag the axles, front diff, driveshaft and into the transfer case. heat is created in braking, if the brakes are not balanced correctly, the heat transfer to the hub will burn the hub unit. Dodge (and all other manufacturers) only went to this hub unit because it is faster to assemble. the kit can be completed in a day easily, however i did the ball joints and other work at the same time, plus, i didn't have all the right tools and parts (i thought i had everything). add up the cost of replacing the bearings a couple of times, the other wear and tear on equipment, $900 is reasonable. this kit is based on a early '90's 4x4 F-350 front end. it is an early Dana 60 system. i needed a new oil seal (damaged one sliding on to the spindle), Advanced Auto had it listed as that truck (tried Dodge 250, 350 80's-90's, no luck).
they also have a CAD delete, which can be used if the hubs are unlocked. and all spicer replacement parts.
it just seems logical.
i also think it looks cool, i don't see any others like mine around.
jon
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White '98, QC, LB, 4X4, Auto, 12V
,166k, MBPR 4" turbo back, EMS Offroad part time hubs/real wheel bearings
, DSS stabilizer, American Racing 16" outlaw II, BF Goodrich Long Trail t/a 245's, fairly stock, more coming. Came from NC, NO rust