Overview
The Rugged Ridge 15001.38 is a pair of 26 spline manual locking hubs made for the 1989–1997 Geo Tracker and the 1989–1998 Suzuki Sidekick.
These hubs have a hardened nylon center, which Rugged Ridge uses in place of metal to keep a vehicle moving in the unlikely event of a hub failure. The bodies are impact resistant nodular iron, the caps are corrosion resistant die cast aluminum, and the knobs are nylon. The finish is polished aluminum. Rugged Ridge also says its manual hubs beat factory automatic hubs when locked and when unlocked.
The Geo Tracker and Suzuki Sidekick share a small four-wheel-drive platform, which is why one pair of 26 spline hubs fits both. The Sidekick fit covers trims from JA and JX to JLX Sport, so the pair works across all of them for those years.
When unlocked, the hubs are meant to improve fuel economy in 2WD compared with automatic hubs.
The polished aluminum cap and nylon knob on each hub are the parts a driver sees and turns, and the cap is made from corrosion resistant die cast aluminum.
Key features
- Pair of manual locking hubs
- 26 splines
- Hardened nylon center
- Nodular iron body
- Die cast aluminum cap
- Nylon knob
- Polished aluminum finish
- Fits Geo Tracker and Suzuki Sidekick
Locking by hand on the trail
A manual hub is engaged by turning the knob to the locked position, which connects the wheel to the axle so four-wheel drive can take effect. Lock both hubs while the vehicle is stopped or rolling slowly, then shift the transfer case. Unlock them after leaving four-wheel drive so the drivetrain is not loaded when the hubs release.
Small trucks and SUVs often see mud, sand and water at the front hubs. Rinse the hub area after deep water crossings, then check the knob and cap for grit. Keeping the lock mechanism moving freely helps the hub engage when it is needed.
- Lock hubs before shifting into four-wheel drive
- Unlock after leaving four-wheel drive
- Rinse the hub area after water crossings
- Check knob movement during routine service
Specifications
| Brand | Rugged Ridge |
|---|---|
| Part number | 15001.38 |
| UPC | 804314123260 |
| Part type | Manual locking hubs, pair |
| Spline count | 26 splines |
| Center | Hardened nylon |
| Body material | Nodular iron |
| Cap | Die cast aluminum |
| Knob material | Nylon |
| Finish | Polished aluminum |
| Fitment type | Direct fit |
Vehicle fitment
The 15001.38 fits these vehicles:
- 1989–1997 Geo Tracker (Base, LSi)
- 1989–1998 Suzuki Sidekick (JA, JL, JLX, JLX Sport, JS, JS Sport, JX, JX Sport)
The fit covers the Geo Tracker through 1997 and the Suzuki Sidekick through 1998. Other small Suzuki and Geo models fall outside this range. Confirm fit for your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
The hubs are locked by hand, so the driver has to leave the cab to engage four-wheel drive. Confirm your axle uses 26 splines before ordering.
