I just bought a '92 4runner. It is a pretty sweet ride, and I really like it. I have a few questions since I'm new to the Toyota and four wheel drive scene. I have aftermarket Eagle rims. They have the lug covers on them. It is my understanding that you have to lock the hubs manually? This year of 4runner didn't have automatic locking hubs did it? Also, what exactly do the hubs do? Can you go into 4X4 without having the hubs locked? Thanks for your help!
locking hubs?
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OlympicRunner
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Hey, I just got a '92 also! 
I'm pretty new to 4x4 stuff but I'm fairly experienced with the rest of it.
If you just have hub covers then you have automatic locking hubs. I don't know which models or years had manual hubs but I have a '92 v6 auto and it has automatic hubs.
Locking the hubs engages the front wheels with the front drive axels. Unlocking them does the opposite.
I'm pretty new to 4x4 stuff but I'm fairly experienced with the rest of it. If you just have hub covers then you have automatic locking hubs. I don't know which models or years had manual hubs but I have a '92 v6 auto and it has automatic hubs.
Locking the hubs engages the front wheels with the front drive axels. Unlocking them does the opposite.
Yeah, sounds like you have auto-locking hubs. The locking hubs disengage the front wheels from the axle, front diff, and front driveshaft. If you get under the vehicle, jack up the front frame on stands, then turn the front tires, notice the front driveshaft/axle/cv's also turn. If you had manual hubs and they were unlocked, just the tire would turn, not the front driveshaft/axle/gears. Thus, keeping the front hubs locked all the time wastes some energy, translating to slightly less mpg's.
