have a 01 f250 4x4 has esof hubs. last year the 4x4 would drop out with just the hubs in auto this year in first snow would not engage unless I locked the hubs in then worked fine. have had a jerking problem if it is in 4x4 and turn steering tight with the hubs locked in and 4x4 on it does not do it if I leave the hubs locked and shut off the 4x4. Front axle shaft or drive shaft problem thanks for the help will probably get by till spring and tear the whole front end down. just looking for opinions.

 

Sounds normal to me, they don't like to be turned hard to lock in 4WD, worst it could be U joints, good spring job if it lasts that long.

 

Having the steering wheel jerk when the front hubs are locked and the steering wheel is fully left or right is normal.

EDIT: bubbasz1 beat me to it.

 

I don't remember it being so touchy when I first got the truck and it starts doing it before I get the wheels turned tight even if on snow

 

If hubs aren't staying locked in Auto see if your vacuum pump is running to beat 60. If it is only when the hubs are locked you have a vacuum leak between vacuum res and axle somewhere maybe. The vents will go to defrost if this is happening. But yeah even on the beach in loose sand if I try to turn real sharp it goes to jerkin a bit. If the 3 fiddy's a jerkin don't come a lurkin.........

 

yea I can feel the vacuum pump kick in when the key is turned im sure there must be a vacuum leak but the vents do not go to defrost they all work fine.

 

The vac pump may run for a bit when started and when you switch to 4x4, but it shouldn't run continuously once the hubs are locked.