4X4 Question

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Feb 11, 2011 | 10:57 AM

CodaMan

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From: Central California

4X4 Question

I just purchased an '06 F250 FX4 Lariat and have a question as to how the 4X4 system works. It has 2H-4H-4L switch in the dash and it has manual locking hubs. To switch to 4H or 4L do I also have to manually lock the hubs or does just the switch engage 4X4 and the manual hubs just provide a more "true" lock?

Thanks in advance...

Feb 11, 2011 | 11:22 AM

maverick22

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From: Central Kansas

Quote:

Originally Posted by CodaMan

If they're true manual locking hubs then yes, you have to lock them. All the switch would do in that case is engage the transfer case to send power to the the front differential. That said, are you sure they're true manual hubs? From the factory, that truck would have had auto locking hubs controlled by vacuum to lock in and and out w/ the dash switch. They look similar to manual hubs as you can still turn them, but that's only if the auto lock feature doesn't work. It's possible someone did replace those hubs w/ true manual ones if the originals ever stopped working though. If you can post a pic of them someone will be able to tell you for sure.

Feb 11, 2011 | 12:04 PM

CodaMan

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From: Central California

Everything is stock. So, if they are auto locking hubs and I switch to 4H, should the hubs rotate to the lock position? Does the vehicle need to roll for some distance for the hubs to actually rotate?

Thanks...

Feb 11, 2011 | 01:18 PM

maverick22

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From: Central Kansas

I'm not really an expert on that system as mine has the manual transfer case and true manual hubs. But as far as I know, if the hubs are in the "auto" position, the outside dial won't physcially turn to the lock position, it all happens internally. The dial is actually only there so you can still lock them in manually if the auto feature fails to work. And I believe you might need to roll a little ways to get them to lock in, but I can't help you on how far. On my old 95 1/2 ton w/ autolocking hubs it takes less than 1 revolution of the tire to lock in, but this new system might be different. I would guess you would hear a click but maybe not? Hopefully someone more familiar w/ how the fancy system works will chime in here soon.

Your owners manual should give instructions on what to do - if you don't have one you can download it from www.flmowner.com

Feb 11, 2011 | 05:57 PM

CodaMan

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From: Central California

The reason I'm asking, I was pulling a trailer uphill on gravel, wasn't making it, rears just spun. So I stopped and went to 4H, no help. Got out manually rotated the hubs, and there it went. So maybe the auto locking isn't working? It's a mint 2006 with 48K miles.

Feb 11, 2011 | 06:13 PM

Jakebrake

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From: Fallon, Nevada

If you had moved forward or backward a little the hubs would probably have locked in from the "auto" position... provided everything is working. They will not necessarily lock in the auto mode when there isn't any rotation of the wheel. The "ESOF" works best when you shift to 4 wheel drive before you encounter a "stuck" or "stopped" situation.