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I'm having an issue with my 4X4. I recently purchased a new to me 03 F250 6.0L. Went out today to test out the 4X4 in some sand, only to find out that for some reason, my front hubs don't seem to engage. I'm new to the auto/manual hub thing...traded my Tacoma for the F250. First I just switched the ESOF to 4HI...Nothing. Then got out and locked the hubs. This seemed to create the usual added workload for the truck in 4X4, but the front tires didn't move. I then switched to 4LOW. Same thing...Nothing. When switching from the dash ESOF, the lights lit up correctly and everything. Not sure what to look for here. Vaccum lines, electrical, worn hubs, transfer case? Don't know where to go from here, and am really bummed out because 4WD is everything to me. I like mud and mud likes me Thanks in advance for any help!
I'm new to my truck, but I've heard on older versions, when you locked the hubs, it was typically before you got stuck.. then the hubs would have to turn (drive a few feet) before they would actually lock in.
At this point, my spreading of old rumored info is "take it for what it's worth"... lol. Might be something to try though.
I had the same problem with my 05 F250. I worked on that thing for days tracing vacuum lines etc. Turned out to be a bad solenoid that engages the vacuum pump. I think it is a $60 part or so. I would try replacing that before you take it to a shop. The symptoms you described are the exact same I as was experiencing.
I hope I can get it fixed. That and also the popping/knocking whenever I turn the wheel...LOL. I'll check out the vacuum line and go from there. Don't want to spend $$$ when I don't have to. My hubs markings are worn down so much I can't read them. I don't know if I have manual or auto hubs. I assume auto. I have them turned clockwise right now for 2WD I believe.
The first thing is to figure out what is and isn't working. If the 4x4 and Low lights are coming on, it's very rare that the transfer case is not actually shifting into those gears. But it can happen. It's pretty common for the auto locking hubs to fail and need to be locked manually.
So... get the front wheels up off the ground with jack stands. Leave it in 2WD. Turn the hub lock back and forth three or four times, then put them in auto (counter clockwise). The front wheel and the front axle u-joint behind that wheel should turn independently of each other. This proves that your hubs are unlocked. Manually lock the hub (clockwise). Now the wheel and the corresponding u-joint should be locked together. The proves that your hub locks work and aren't broken. This would also be a good time to turn the front driveline. It should turn freely, proving that your transfer case is disengaged.
Now, with the engine running, turn the dash switch to 4WD. Check that the front drive line will not turn now. This proves that the transfer case has engaged. Check to see if the front hubs have automatically locked. Each wheel should be locked to the u-joint behind it.
When you've done these tests, let us know what didn't work right and we can help you fix it.
__________________
David Chamberlain
2004 F-250 SD, 4x4 FX4, 6.0L PSD
Oregon Chapter Member: To join the Oregon Chapter, click HERE
[quote=dchamberlain;10036713]The first thing is to figure out what is and isn't working. If the 4x4 and Low lights are coming on, it's very rare that the transfer case is not actually shifting into those gears. But it can happen. It's pretty common for the auto locking hubs to fail and need to be locked manually.
So... get the front wheels up off the ground with jack stands. Leave it in 2WD. Turn the hub lock back and forth three or four times, then put them in auto (counter clockwise). The front wheel and the front axle u-joint behind that wheel should turn independently of each other. This proves that your hubs are unlocked. Manually lock the hub (clockwise). Now the wheel and the corresponding u-joint should be locked together. The proves that your hub locks work and aren't broken. This would also be a good time to turn the front driveline. It should turn freely, proving that your transfer case is disengaged.
Now, with the engine running, turn the dash switch to 4WD. Check that the front drive line will not turn now. This proves that the transfer case has engaged. Check to see if the front hubs have automatically locked. Each wheel should be locked to the u-joint behind it.
When you've done these tests, let us know what didn't work right and we can help you fix it.
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Thanks in advance for any help!
