First Impressions of Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline
The Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline promises a blend of durability and convenience for the off-road enthusiast. Mile Marker is a respected name in the 4×4 world, so my expectations were high. These hubs are designed to replace the factory units on vehicles with 19-spline axles, offering a selectable engagement for improved fuel economy and reduced wear when 4-wheel drive isn’t needed.
I’ve spent years wrestling with stubborn, vacuum-actuated hubs that frequently failed at the worst possible times. I needed a reliable manual locking hub solution for my ’78 Bronco project, something that wouldn’t leave me stranded on the trail. Several friends recommended Mile Marker hubs for their robust construction and positive engagement, leading me to choose the Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline over similar offerings from Warn and Yukon Gear. The price point was also a deciding factor, offering a good balance of quality and affordability.
Upon unboxing, the hubs felt solid and well-made. The casting looked clean, and the selector dial had a reassuringly positive click as it moved between positions. Compared to the flimsy plastic components of my old vacuum hubs, these Mile Marker hubs inspired confidence. My first impression was one of excited anticipation – I couldn’t wait to get these installed and tested in the real world.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline to the Test
First Use Experience
The inaugural run for the Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline was a weekend trip to the Hollister Hills SVRA. This park offers a mix of terrain, from mild fire roads to challenging rock crawling sections, providing a perfect testing ground. Installation was straightforward, and I appreciated the clear instructions included with the hubs.
Initially, engaging and disengaging the hubs was a bit stiff, but they loosened up with a few cycles. The positive click of the selector dial was reassuring, confirming that the hubs were properly engaged. I tested them in both mud and rocky conditions, and they performed flawlessly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, including multiple off-road trips and even some snow driving, the Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline have proven their worth. They have held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear or damage despite some serious abuse. I did notice some minor surface rust starting to form on the exposed metal parts, but a quick application of WD-40 addressed that issue.
Maintaining these hubs is simple; a periodic cleaning and re-greasing is all that’s needed to keep them in top condition. Compared to the constant headaches of my old vacuum hubs, the Mile Marker hubs have been a dream. They consistently outperform my expectations, providing reliable engagement and peace of mind on the trail.
Breaking Down the Features of Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline
Specifications
The Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline is specifically designed for vehicles with 19-spline axles. These hubs are sold as a pair, intended for the front axle of a 4×4 vehicle. The hub body is constructed from durable cast steel, while the selector dial is made from a high-strength polymer.
The key feature is the selectable engagement, allowing the driver to manually lock or unlock the front wheels from the drivetrain. This manual operation eliminates the reliance on vacuum systems, known for their unreliability. This significantly improves fuel economy and reduces wear on front-end components when four-wheel drive is not required.
Performance & Functionality
The Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline excels at its primary function: providing reliable and positive engagement of the front wheels. The hubs engage quickly and securely, transferring power to the front axle without slippage or hesitation. The manual operation ensures that the hubs are either fully locked or fully unlocked, eliminating the ambiguity of vacuum-actuated systems.
The only minor weakness is the initial stiffness of the selector dial, but this improves with use. Overall, these hubs meet and exceed my expectations for performance and reliability.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline feature a straightforward and functional design. The cast steel construction feels robust and durable. The selector dial is easy to grip, even with gloved hands, and the positive click provides clear feedback.
There is a slight learning curve associated with manually locking hubs, especially for those accustomed to automatic systems. However, the simplicity of the Mile Marker design makes it easy to master.
Durability & Maintenance
The robust construction of the Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline suggests a long lifespan. The cast steel body is resistant to impact and abrasion. Regular maintenance, consisting of cleaning and re-greasing, is essential to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
The design is relatively simple, making repairs straightforward should the need arise. The readily available replacement parts further extend the lifespan of these hubs.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline does not come with a wide range of accessories. However, various greases and cleaning products are available to enhance their performance and longevity. Compatibility with aftermarket axle shafts and wheel studs may vary depending on the vehicle.
The Mile Marker hubs are a direct replacement for the factory hubs, so no modifications are necessary for installation. Users can further enhance the performance of their front axle by upgrading to stronger axle shafts and U-joints.
Pros and Cons of Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline
Pros
- Reliable engagement: Eliminates the unreliability of vacuum-actuated hubs.
- Improved fuel economy: Reduces drivetrain drag when 4-wheel drive is not needed.
- Durable construction: Cast steel body withstands harsh conditions.
- Easy to maintain: Simple cleaning and re-greasing ensures long life.
- Positive selector dial: Provides clear feedback of engagement status.
Cons
- Initial stiffness: The selector dial can be stiff when new.
- Potential for rust: Exposed metal parts may require periodic rust prevention.
Who Should Buy Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline?
The Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline are perfect for off-road enthusiasts, hunters, and anyone who relies on their 4×4 vehicle for serious work. They are particularly well-suited for individuals who have experienced issues with vacuum-actuated hubs and desire a more reliable and robust solution. Anyone rebuilding or restoring a classic 4×4 will also benefit from the increased dependability.
These hubs may not be ideal for casual drivers who rarely engage 4-wheel drive and prioritize convenience over reliability. Additionally, those who prefer fully automatic systems may find the manual operation inconvenient. For optimal performance, it’s a must-have to use a high-quality, waterproof grease to protect the hubs from moisture and corrosion.
Conclusion on Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline
The Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline offers an excellent value proposition for those seeking a reliable and durable manual locking hub solution. The price is justified by the improved reliability, fuel economy, and peace of mind they provide. Mile Marker delivers a robust and dependable product.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Mile Marker 11034-01 Selectro Hubs 19 Spline to anyone looking to upgrade their 4×4 vehicle’s front axle. Upgrade to these hubs and experience the confidence and dependability they offer on your next adventure!