I have manual lock 4 wheel drive hubs but I also have the auto switch in the cab but no vacuum hose to hub assembly. Does that mean that previous owner had problem with auto and took out hoses and switched to manual only? When I put it in neutral and turn switch to 4H or 4L I hear a click but don't know what it is. There are no labels on hubs so I don't know what is locked and what is free. Going to try both ways and have someone watch to see if axle is spinning. Anyone had a truck with similar situation? Thanks in advance.

 

The ESOF (electronic shift on the fly) hubs go bad over time and instead of dropping a ton of money on replacing with the factory hubs, alot of guys go with a set of aftermarket Warns or Mile Markers. Once you do that, you lose your ESOF functionality and essentially have a quasi-manual system where you still have to get out to lock the hubs, but once they're locked, you'll just flip the switch in the cab for 4wd.

The vacuum hoses were probably (purposely) plugged so as not to effect any other vacuum operated system.

 

The "Click" is a solenoid in your transfer case switching to 4x4.

Do your hubs look like this?


Those are the factory hubs. It is common for the vacuum lines to fall off of the factory hubs. If your hubs look like that, you have factory hubs and the lines simply fell off. However, if they look different, then yes you have aftermarket hubs.

 

I am switching to manual hubs but the length of the replacement is
somewhat shorter than the factory . When I put my wheel cover back
on the hub does not stick out enough . This is on a 2003 F350 and I would
like to use the wheel trim . Is there an alternative trim or hubs that would
stick out far enough ?
thanks
Dan

 

What brand did you go with. I think the Warn hubs fit perfectly.

 

I went with the superwinch brand . They were a little less than Warner .
I will send them back and get the warner if you think they fit correctly .
Thanks
Dan

 

Thanks for the responses. @Trey, my hubs look like your pic. Just so I'm clear, I manually lock the hubs and then turn the dash switch to desired position. Does that work even if the hoses fell off? I'm an amateur at mechanics so I want to double check. Thanks again for all the info everyone!

 

manually locking the hubs and engaging the in dash switch will engage 4wd, vacuum lines connected or not.

 

The vacuum lines should be capped off somewhere if the ESOF hubs are gone.

But yes, lock the hubs, flip the switch and you should have 4wd. If you're in a snowy/icy area, you can leave them locked all winter (at the minimum expense of some mpg's) and have 4wd available at the flip of the switch.

 

Thanks lllateralus. Great answers. Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks again.

 

My hubs sit farther in than the stock ones but still work great. I think if you turn the top clockwise it will put them in lock.Turn both to the right then switch to 4hi and turn the steering wheel to the locks. If when you go forward the truck chugs you are in 4 wheel drive (go slowly ) hope it helps