so I am under the ex doing the inspection plate anti rattle fix and grab ahold of the front drive shaft. The dang thing does not spin free! It should, shouldn't it?... thinking the factory hubs need to be replaced. They are in the auto position and again, should spin freely right?

Signed. Baffled in Bristol.

 

Yes, Stick a big screwdriver in each front u-joint and turn them. Sometimes there is a lttle combined friction so the shaft might not readily turn freely. Auto is counter clockwise.

 

Thanks EX... I also can feel some minor binding as if the 4WD is activated. I'll give that an shot. BTW, would new hubs eliminate this, I will be replacing prior to ski season this year.

 

Maybe if that is it but It would help to clean and lightly lube them....(easy to do).

 

hey Exv10, so I gave it the old college try with the big screwdriver and no dice. With the hubs removed do the axle's spin free or do they remain locked?

Thanks..

 

They should spin freely unless is is all together and the hub locked (clockwise). You don't have limited slip it the front do you?. No need to jack it up, they should both spin freely with a big screwdriver unless the hub is locked on that side.

 

No limited slip as far as I know, we purchased used in 05. The hubs are becoming increasingly difficult to turn from lock to auto, I have removed and attempted maintenance per guzzles instructions and photo's but I fear it is simply time to ditch the old hubs. Anybody have any suggestions on brand preference?

BTW, the hubs show as being in the auto position. This past winter I had a slight issue after switching to 4WD on the fly, it sounded like a serious vacuum leak on the drivers side. Sounded as though 2 rubber seals were rubbing together. Went away but now the hubs will not disengage manually...

 

You can soak the dials in penetrating oil overnight or take them apart and put new seals in.

 

Literally soak them, as in fill a small container and submerge or simply douche them and let sit?

 

I had a 02 f250 that had a similar problem. The Pass side hub was really difficult to spin. Was filled with Dirt and dust. I soaked it but was only a temp fix. They didnt have warn kits yet so I was forced to buy an OEM. Set me back $350.00. Upgrade to warn if you can.

 

All better for now... disassembled, cleaned and properly lubed... will do until new warns this fall. Thanks gang.