2003 F350 with auto/lock stock hubs.
Not sure these hubs are working all the time. Repacked but the center manual lever to lock is very hard to turn on one. Over winter I thought maybe not fully engaged in our big blizzard. Never stuck, just seemed to only stay in 2 wd and then catch later. 4wd light was on but could feel when it would not auto lock, manual turn to lock and no problem. Just hard to turn.

I searched forum and found the Mile Marker and Warn to be the favorites when switching over to manual locks. When I search the Summit racing site the Mile Markers are only listed to 2002. When I search the Mile Marker site the same part goes up to 2004. BUT... conversion kit is listed. Also listed on Summit and Oreily site is some Mile Marker Nut kit MileMarker 95-32721 - Nut Kit 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty | O'Reilly Auto Parts

Is this nut kit needed? (Nobody seemed to use it but the question was asked)

And will the Mile Markers fit the 2003? I have found errors on Summit before so I am thinking they do fit. Summit lists "Fits Dana 50 and 60" Mile Marker 449SS - Mile Marker Supreme Locking Hubs - Application - SummitRacing.com

Also why only up to 2004? Was there a change to stock hubs in that year?

 

Ok, maybe one question at a time,...Anyone changed theirs and need the nut kit?

 

I put the warn premiums in... no extra bits and pieces required... took 5 minutes.

 

I'd like to know the answer to this too. I have an 01 with manual hubs and plan to install a set of Warn premium hubs. From what I can tell, the spindle nut kit is only required if changing from factory automatic hubs. Can anyone else verify this?

 

Hey i'm not sure about the nut kit.... From what I hear Mile markers have a habit of breaking during heavy use. If you are replacing your autolock hubs I would really like to make a video of lubricating one. I can send it back to you after I make the video
Rob

 

Mine are pretty well lubed. Packed in fact.

As far as Warn, They are on my list second for no other reason then the Mile Markers were Stainless steel.

Heard the Superwinch were the weak ones under pressure but ALL these opinions are only internet readings, NO ACTUAL use on my part.

Glad to know no extra nut kit. When I went back on the thread I found covering all this the truck was a 2004 for the Mile Marker.

So I am looking at Mile Marker and Warn.

Anybody comment on 05 and up hubs? Different axles?

 

Also any know which axle is in the 2003 4x4?

The Specs in the tech folder only list "DANA". Dont know if thats different than a Dana 50 or 60.

2002 DANA 50
2003 DANA
2004 DANA 60

 

Dana 50 in the 03 up to the 04. They changed to the dana 60 in 05, hence the different hub. The only ones that kept the dana 50 in 05 were the Xcursions.

If you are only changing because of a stiff dial, try soaking the hub in atf fluid for a few hours, with the dial covered in fluid. Should free up the dial and save ya some money. Worst case, if it doesn't help you can still upgrade.

 

The Tech folder had a link to specs for each year, that's where I got my info. Interestingly the Mile Marker and Warn sites list the Superduty fitment from 99-04, but also the Mile Marker states fits Dana 50&60. Hence my confusion.

And yes only a stiff dial. I tried soaking, but only with gear lube and only for about 10 minuters, no difference. Try longer today.

 

Some things I noticed about the hubs....
the dial O rings swell from using alcohol cleaners
the esof version can't have too much grease in them it causes binding
as far as soaking the dial I have tried tranny fluid and it was too thin
I then went to a light engine oil and it seemed to work better **but** you need to cycle the dial a bunch of times to free it up
Rob

 

This might be your problem. They should only be "lightly greased". Too much grease will keep them from operating properly.

I thought they changed to the dana 60 in 2001.5? I thought i read that in the tech folder somewhere...

AH, here it is:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...ml#post1589032

 

I dont think its too much greese. Unit was stuck before I greased it. Seems the outer part is binding. Inners all work around pretty freely. The handle to the outside rim, seems tight.

And the front end number is still confusing to me. Although my truck is an 03, it's early 03, manufactured 9/02.

 

The Dana 50 and Dana 60 use the same locking hub so no worries their. I thought that only the duallies were equiped with a Dana 60 on early trucks