Excuse my ignorance here, but what are the advantages / disadvantages of auto-locking hubs versus manual hubs?

OK, well, I guess I'll be looking for some other gearing for her, since first is so low, when making a left turn from a stop light, it requires to be shifted before half the turn is completed. I could run at 10 or maybe 15 mph longer in traffic, but I feel like I'd get hit as other traffic is at 20 or 25 by that time. It's a pain in the tail end low first gear, maybe good for going up a 35% grade, but I have to drive this thing more in traffic. And no, I'm not a hot rodder.

I won't use second to start out.

Let me ask a dumber question then, by locking what is the hub actually doing? Is it the hub that engages with the axel that is always turning?

And if so, by shift on the fly, I didn't mean shifting the tranny 2nd, to 3rd, up to 5th, I meant running in 2wd and going to 4wd Hi. Is that correct? I would think that 4wd low is for climbing cliffs or pulling stumps out (lol)

I've been able to shift both M/T and A/T 2.6 Gen 1's between 4HI and 2HI, once the hubs were locked, at pretty much any speed (on appropriate surfaces, of course).

You can drive in 2HI with the hubs still locked in case you feel you might need to go into 4HI. They'll stay locked unless you back up, like FastEddy said.

I'd really use caution going into low range, though. Full stop, in neutral, may have to let the truck roll just a bit.

Of course, don't try it on your truck if you're not comfortable with my technique. I just know it worked for me.

John B.

Thanks Phil, that's what I was thinking. Actually, I've been running around on the ice and little snow on top in 2wd and I get around just fine without 4wd. The truck is very well balanced, IMO. Easy to control.------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------I'd recommend using ---engaging you hubs---and 4WD High Range on ice covered blacktop. You most likely have an LSD rear diff ( look for orange label on drivers side door jam). That LSD can actually make you do a sudden donut in 2 wd on ice.------------------------------------------------------------------------

I understand the lower 1st gear for rock climbing or repelling (lol) but paying attention yesterday, it gets to 12 mph before it really needs to be shifted...is that normal for the 89 5 speed or did someone build the tranny with that?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------For 2wd High Range , 1st gear is pretty low,,,but I would not call it a granny low. I just need to roll a little bit to get momentum with this very heavy vehicle and shift to 2nd.(with this trans if you shift too quickly you might get a little gear clash 1 to 2nd,,,,this is normal with the typical slow synchronisers in this 'truck' trans)
For off road Low Range you can go thru all 5 speeds to do what you need to. I often end up using 1-4 on these long and highly variable ridge road around here.

Your trans hasn't been modified. Option gears are not made for this trans., it doesn't need it. Not much other aftermarket equipment is made for Monteros 'cause they don't need much or any improvement.

Google V5MT1 and see if this real good article on your transmission comes up. ( sorry I'm too much a Neanderthal to link it).---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sorry for anwering this like this ,,,I can't get the quote thing to work-----------------------------------------
Dave---------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for the replies! I need to relearn alot about 4wd, use to know more in the Army, just forgot some basics I guess, drive train was never my thing....I'm an old VW buggy type, lol.