When I take it out of 4 Hi - with the hubs in auto - it pulls to the right for about a mile. Any ideas? Thank you.

 

Sounds like the one hub may not be disengaging. I've got a new 03, and my hubs don't engage at all. Any thoughts out there? I've got a bunch of Super-duty's with ESOF, and never a problem.

 

The engagement is vacuum operated. If 4x4 is not engaging, you might have a problem with the vacuum lines.

 

Funny thing, I posted here last year because I didnt think my hubs were working correctly and I was told I was crazy. Maybe I am.
But.
I took my Ex to a real 4x4 shop rather than the dealer. He told me he sees these axles all the time and the vacuum hubs are junk. His opinion. To check his theory I went back to the dealer and test drove 3 used Ex's. 2000-2002. NONE of the 4wd worked! In fact on all 4 (including mine) the manual to auto lever is seized.

I pulled the vacuum hubs and installed manuals. Knowing they work is worth the inconvenience. Bluecon must just be lucky with those SuperDuty's.

 

I got my X out of the shop today. There was a broken vacuum "tee" on the actuator (sp), so they replaced the actuator. They also replaced the left hub, as it was not sealing the vacuum properly. Seems to work fine now.

 

This is my first vehicle with 4 wheel Drive. Other than the indicator light, how do I know if they are working correctly or not?

Thanks
Ted

2002 V-10

 

Hmmmm....


Well when you put it IN 4WD, it should feel different when you drive. More pull. To make sure that the hubs are locked you can always turn full lock. These solid axle trucks just love it when you do that. The U-joints will bind.

Also, if the transfer case is not engaged...well...you'll still be spinning the rears (more than likely).

To ensure that all is DISENGAGED properly (a bigger prolem with mine) is to physically reach behind the wheels and try to turn the halfshaft. If it doesn't move and the switch is in 2WD, then try rotatin' the auto/lock "switch" on the hub back and forth a few times.

That help any?