Overview
The Rugged Ridge 15001.26 is a pair of 27 spline manual locking hubs for 5 bolt hubs, made for the 1981–1983 Jeep CJ5, the 1981–1986 Jeep CJ7 and the 1981–1985 Jeep Scrambler.
Rugged Ridge says vehicle manufacturers and militaries worldwide have approved hubs of this type as original equipment. It uses a hardened nylon center rather than metal, so a hub failure should not leave the vehicle stuck. The body is nodular iron with a die cast aluminum cap. Rugged Ridge argues that manual hubs beat worn automatic hubs for 4WD performance when locked and fuel economy in 2WD when unlocked.
Rugged Ridge also argues that buying a set of premium manual hubs costs less than servicing worn factory hubs, and that the money saved can pay for a spare set. The company adds that you do not have to wait for lost traction before four-wheel drive engages once the hubs are locked.
It is made for 5 bolt CJ5, CJ7 and Scrambler models from 1981, which is the hub pattern this pair is built for.
Key features
- Pair of manual locking hubs
- 27 splines
- For 5 bolt hubs
- Hardened nylon center
- Impact resistant nodular iron body
- Corrosion resistant die cast aluminum cap
- Polished aluminum finish
- Nylon knob
Living with manual hubs
Manual locking hubs engage only when you lock them by hand, so build a habit of checking both hubs before you select four-wheel drive. Make sure each hub is fully locked, and roll the vehicle slightly if a hub does not engage. Unlock them before returning to pavement to reduce unnecessary wear on the front driveline.
Inspect the nylon center, knob and seal at each service interval. Look for cracks, stripped splines and grease leaks. Because a nylon center is repaired only by replacement, keep a spare set or know where to source one before you need it. When the hubs are removed, re-check the axle seals and wheel bearings as well.
- Lock both hubs before engaging four-wheel drive
- Unlock hubs before returning to pavement
- Inspect nylon centers and seals at each service
Specifications
| Brand | Rugged Ridge |
|---|---|
| Part number | 15001.26 |
| UPC | 804314123239 |
| Part type | Manual locking hubs, pair |
| Spline count | 27 splines |
| Hub style | 5 bolt hubs |
| Center | Hardened nylon |
| Body material | Nodular iron |
| Cap | Die cast aluminum |
| Knob material | Nylon |
| Finish | Polished aluminum |
| Fitment type | Direct fit |
Vehicle fitment
Fits these Jeeps:
- 1981–1983 Jeep CJ5 (Base, Laredo, Limited, Renegade)
- 1981–1986 Jeep CJ7 (Base, Laredo, Limited, Renegade)
- 1981–1985 Jeep Scrambler (Base, Laredo, Renegade, SL, SR)
Earlier CJs and Wrangler models are not covered. Confirm fit for your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
These are manual hubs, so they must be locked by hand before four-wheel drive engages. Rugged Ridge points out that a hub with a nylon center is repaired only by replacing it.
