Front lockout hubs/bearings for Dodge 2500. Dynatrac Spin-Free is $300 more money. Are they worth the extra? I'm not in the market yet but my pickup has 120k and the Dodge bearings are know to fail sooner or later.
297k on my ‘03 when I sold it, never a wheel bearing problem. 127k on my ‘14, and no issues. Had to replace a rear hub seal on the ‘14 a few weeks ago though.
Google "2009 dodge ram wheel bearing replacement" and you'll find quite a few other Dodge owners who haven't had your luck.
I've never seen the innards on one but from what I've gathered, the inner and outer bearings have very little space between them so any leverage on the spindle can easily twist it. These lockout kits move the bearings farther apart which greatly increases the force needed to twist the spindle.
A friend of mine put a kit in his '04 2500. He said he gained 2 mpg and vastly improved the steering when the hubs aren't locked. It greatly reduces the wear on the front driveline because they aren't turning all the time.
1998, 2500,150K miles here. About the only thing I have not had a problem with are the front wheels bearings.
I’m going with the Dynatrac on my 98 12 valve. They’re built really tough and don’t stick out as far
There's one problem with locking hubs. I have a Dodge diesel which of course is quite heavy on the front end. There are lots of times that it's just a bit too slick or gravely to get moving, especially with a trailer, and it's sure handy to switch the dash knob to 4x4 and just drive away rather than getting out to lock the hubs.
297k on my ‘03 when I sold it, never a wheel bearing problem. 127k on my ‘14, and no issues. Had to replace a rear hub seal on the ‘14 a few weeks ago though.
I replaced my 06 wheel bearings when I did ball joints at around 150K. Not terribly difficult, and pretty cheap. Current truck (08) is around 160K with no issues. Can't see going dynatrac or spyntec. If your bearings are going, I'd throw a name brand set of replacement bearings in, but that's just me.
I did the spyntek (sp) on my 2012 because I did not want the front end spinning all the time. Did pick up a few MPG and it does steer better. Installed them myself and took about 6 hours or so.
Been researching the Spyntec since you posted this and they seem to be a great option
Put spyntec shorties on my 2004.5, 2500 , 4 yrs ago, no problems so far. Installed them myself, with new ujoints, carli balljoints, synergy steering, Thuren adjustable track bar, Dodge boys box brace, and a new Dodge front driveshaft.
Nice when backing my horse trailer in tight places. I mostly leave them turned in when the weather is snowy. I didn't pick up any mpg, but I have 4:10 gears.
Craig
Put spyntec shorties on my 2004.5, 2500 , 4 yrs ago, no problems so far. Installed them myself, with new ujoints, carli balljoints, synergy steering, Thuren adjustable track bar, Dodge boys box brace, and a new Dodge front driveshaft.
Nice when backing my horse trailer in tight places. I mostly leave them turned in when the weather is snowy. I didn't pick up any mpg, but I have 4:10 gears.
Craig
How often do you repack your bearings?
Have the spyntec on a 2009 dodge. As other folks have said. Advantage is front drive train isn't turning all the time. It frees up the steering,and got 2 miles more mpg. I grease and repack every 20k. But it is used for pulling a load most of the time. Quick and easy job. Another advantage with the hubs,with a manual 4wd shift. You can use 4lo in 2wd ,and that comes in handy sometimes,backing a trailer In a tight spot.
$1550 is a lot for what you get.
Just repacked my bearings on my spyntecs for the first time. Couple of hours and not hard at all.
I went with Dynatrac on my 06, made a huge difference.
No worries, the yoda boys will be here shortly to tell you which is best. As soon as they figure out what you're talking about. (laughing)