4X4 manual locking hubs
#1
01-27-2003, 07:20 PM
4X4 manual locking hubs
I recently purchased a 1997 F-250 xlt x-cab w/ the 7.3 turbo diesel. The truck didn't have an owners manual. This is my first 4X4 so I need a question answered on engaging the 4 wheel drive. With the hubs "unlocked" when I shift the lever into 4 high the "4 high" light comes on. Do I really have 4 wheel drive? I thought the hubs had to be locked first and then I would have 4 wheel drive. Secondly, can I drive the truck with the hubs "locked " , but only be in 2 wheel drive? And lastly do I have to engage the 4 wheel drive with the transmission in nuetral? Thanks for all the help.
#2
01-27-2003, 07:43 PM
Lead Driver
4X4 manual locking hubs
Originally posted by jlyons
With the hubs "unlocked" when I shift the lever into 4 high the "4 high" light comes on. Do I really have 4 wheel drive? I thought the hubs had to be locked first and then I would have 4 wheel drive.
That's right. The light indicates that the transfer case is engaged, but no power is going to the front tires because the hubs are not engaged.
Secondly, can I drive the truck with the hubs "locked " , but only be in 2 wheel drive?
You can, which you would do if you were on dry pavement, but wanted to be able to shift back into 4WD when conditions require it. Keep in mind that driving extended distances with the hubs locked in does add extra wear and tear to the front end. Use your own good judgement: if it's practical to stop and get out to unlock the hubs, then do it. If you can't get out, or may need 4WD again down the road, then leave 'em locked in.
And lastly do I have to engage the 4 wheel drive with the transmission in nuetral? Thanks for all the help.
The only time you need to have the transmission in neutral is when you want to engage 4LOW. You need to be in 4HIGH first. Bring the truck to a complete stop. Shift the tranny into neutral, then move the 4x4 lever in to 4LOW. Another light should illuminate on the dash. You're now in 4LOW. To get back to 4HIGH, you just reverse the whole procedure. You'll find on most Fords that moving that lever from 4LOW to 4HIGH takes a good deal of effort- I've never been able to do it without going right past 4HIGH and straight into 2WD. Guess I lack the "finesse" real 4x4er's have to do this!
With the hubs "unlocked" when I shift the lever into 4 high the "4 high" light comes on. Do I really have 4 wheel drive? I thought the hubs had to be locked first and then I would have 4 wheel drive.
That's right. The light indicates that the transfer case is engaged, but no power is going to the front tires because the hubs are not engaged.
Secondly, can I drive the truck with the hubs "locked " , but only be in 2 wheel drive?
You can, which you would do if you were on dry pavement, but wanted to be able to shift back into 4WD when conditions require it. Keep in mind that driving extended distances with the hubs locked in does add extra wear and tear to the front end. Use your own good judgement: if it's practical to stop and get out to unlock the hubs, then do it. If you can't get out, or may need 4WD again down the road, then leave 'em locked in.
And lastly do I have to engage the 4 wheel drive with the transmission in nuetral? Thanks for all the help.
The only time you need to have the transmission in neutral is when you want to engage 4LOW. You need to be in 4HIGH first. Bring the truck to a complete stop. Shift the tranny into neutral, then move the 4x4 lever in to 4LOW. Another light should illuminate on the dash. You're now in 4LOW. To get back to 4HIGH, you just reverse the whole procedure. You'll find on most Fords that moving that lever from 4LOW to 4HIGH takes a good deal of effort- I've never been able to do it without going right past 4HIGH and straight into 2WD. Guess I lack the "finesse" real 4x4er's have to do this!
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