Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I have a GQ with auto front hubs, I am wondering if the fuel comsumption is higher with these fitted or is it better with the free wheeling hubs.
also
Could someone also explain how the auto locking hubs work.
I have come to the conclusion that when in auto the diff is like a banjo centre (1 wheel gets all the power) till you lock the hubs.

Fastest

Any open diff is like that, 1 wheel gets all the power. Even with manual hubs. I don't know what you mean by Banjo, as the describes the type of housing, ie: the centre drops out, like a 9" Ford, or early Holden. The other type is Salisbury, where there is a tin cover over the back.

Fuel consumption would theroreticly be higher, but maybe not enough to notice.

I have them on my car, and I don't know how they work. I assume it has something to do with the drive coming from the diff (power from the engine) rather than the tyre (rolling along the road).

Someone here will have a better idea...

auto hubs mean just that , they are auto, when you engage 4WD the spinning axle prompts the hub to be put in eth LOCK position.

when your 4WD is in 2WD mode, they act as freewheeling hubs. they are in escence, AUTO freewheeling hubs.

This will have no impact on fuel economy. The only downside is if you have them on AUTO and you are in heavy 4WDing terrain and you have to reverse, and teh front hubs unload, they can sometimes UNLOCK on you and freewheel the hubs untill you put the vehicle in drive again.

SO when you are in terrain that you will be heavily dependant on 4WD make sure you bring the auto hubs to the LOCK position.

Jes

I have auto hubs on my Ti GQ Patrol and lately when in 4x4 (when under heavy pressure eg boggy sand or uphill mud) they seem to clunk and almost disengage and engage themselves. Is this a clear sign that i have to replace them with manual hubs?

no,

its a clear sign that

a. you may have a problem with one of them

b. when in extreme terrain, place the auto hubs in the " lock" position

Jes