external/internal lockout hubs

[scrappyk5]

is there a better choice between the two ?

My truck now has internal lockouts, which is fine, but i just picked up 8 lug swap that has external lockouts.
is there a differance in strength or quality ?

 

[jones]

Most of what I've read on this site,most of the guys prefer the internal locking hubs for reasons of strength.However,IMO,There is no real difference in strength.I have used both styles and have decided to keep the external style just because I think it looks better.They function the same,and I've never had a problem with my external hubs(Superwinch and OEM Spicers).Save for the fact that the larger bolts on the external hubs tend to back out.But I resolved that issue w/ teflon tape and torqued to specs.They haven't backed out since and I ran them for two years before they started to backout the first(and only)time.The external Superwinch hubs cost me $120 as opposed to $70-90 for the internal style depending,of course,on the brand purchased.Hope this helps.

 

[jonathon]

Easy swap to internal with junkyard hubs and spindles, and possibly new rotors depending on the condition of the junkyard ones..

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

External hubs have a bit of a design flaw that makes the bolts work their way loose. When the bolts get loose, they break.

If you have a choice between the two, internals are better. There are really no advantages to external hubs.

 

[scrappyk5]

sounds good. I appreciate the opinions.