A Simple Inexpensive Upgrade for Dedicated Trail Rigs
Drive flanges are used in place of selectable locking hubs to achieve a full time locked position. The Samurai was never sold with a full time 4wd option but the SJ410 was. SJ410 drive flanges can be used on the Samurai. This kit includes SJ410 drive flanges, new inner gaskets, snap rings, and dust covers.
A pair of replacement locking hubs will cost nearly 3x more than this drive flange kit. With no moving parts, drive flanges are stronger than locking hubs and require no maintenance.
Are drive flanges right for you?
We want to be clear, these are not for everyone. If your Samurai is driven on the street you will want selectable locking hubs to disengage the front axle to reduce vibrations. With a full time 4wd conversion, the front axle shafts, ring and pinion gears, driveline, and some t-case parts will spin whenever the front wheels are rotating. Samurais have a poor front driveline angle which is usually made worse after lifting. This is normally not a major problem because the front driveline is only used at slow speeds but can become a headache at high speeds.