Hi-

I have a 2001 Ford F250 Lariat with the shift on the fly button four wheel drive. I don't believe the system is working properly as the right rear wheel (open diff) is spinning in the snow even when the four wheel drive is engaged.

I have the auto hubs that have the "auto" or "manual" mode. The hubs are currently frozen in the "auto" mode.

I checked the solenoid on the transfer case and it appears to be working properly. You can hear the drive train clunk, especially when you shift into 4 wheel low when the truck is in neutral.

I have thought about replacing the hubs with Warn or Superwinch versions ""Locked or unlocked", but I don't want to have to get out and turn the hubs.

Any suggestions as to how to fix?

 

I figured out the problem tonight.

I activated the 4wd high button, blocked the tires and climbed under the truck and tried to rotate the front driveshaft. It would only move about a 1/2 inch. I tried again in 4wd low - same result. So this tells me that the solenoid on the transfer case was working properly. Next, I went to the the front hubs and leaned on them with a pair of channel locks. They finally broke loose and I was able to rotate them. However, I cant see any markings for the "Lock" or "Auto" position which was described in my manual. I turned them clockwise as far as they would go and then climbed back in the truck and test drove it on a snowy road. The 4wd worked as it should but I am still interested in replacing the hubs as they feel like they are on borrowed time.

 

I had nothing but trouble with my auto hubs, even when the truck was newer. The hubs would lock in and out fine, but if I got into anything that really required them to pull, the hubs would slip unless I got out and locked them in manually. When the truck was about 5 or 6 years old they got to where one or the other did not unlock most of the time. About 8 years ago I removed them and installed warn premium manual lockouts and have had zero problems with them. At times when I don't expect to need 4x4, I unlock them, but in the winter where I might need it on and off, I just leave them locked in and engage or disengage the **** on the dash.

I have owned several solid axle 4x4's over 30+ years and have always found the axle U-joints seem to last much better using the lockouts this way. If you are going to get into a place you might need 4x4 just get out and lock it in before you bail off into it, not a big deal. The difference in fuel mileage running with the hubs engaged is not enough to even notice, these trucks aren't known for being especially efficient.

 

Mine is also an 01 ESOF. I am pretty familiar with it. I've had pretty good luck with my system. There are lots of good posts about it, log in and search. Most likely problem would be vacuum related, then hubs need to be cleaned and lubed. You can Google for help, too, but the best info is on this forum or Powerstroke Nation. Guy named Grizz has some really good how-to's as well. I used them with my hub cleaning and hub maintenance. If you can change your selectors, you probably can do whatever else you need.


Good luck!