Manual Locking Hubs
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2011
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Manual Locking Hubs
Sorry but I am knew to 4*4 trucks. I have an f-250 with ESOF. I also have the manual locking hubs. My question is
1. Do I need to electrically shift to 4*4 and then manually lock the hubs to get the 4*4 to work, or can i simply manually lock the hubs and this will produce the same effect as the electronic shift? The manual didn't really say anything, and i thought the electric shift actually did something at the transfer case as opposed to the hubs locking?
2. My salesman told me to exercise the manual hubs. I have been doing this about once a week by simply turning it from auto to manual and back. Is this adequate or do i need to actually lock the hubs and run the 4*4?
3. does the truck have to be on to use manual shift? I thought it was done by the vacuum pump?
Thanks for the information
1. Do I need to electrically shift to 4*4 and then manually lock the hubs to get the 4*4 to work, or can i simply manually lock the hubs and this will produce the same effect as the electronic shift? The manual didn't really say anything, and i thought the electric shift actually did something at the transfer case as opposed to the hubs locking?
2. My salesman told me to exercise the manual hubs. I have been doing this about once a week by simply turning it from auto to manual and back. Is this adequate or do i need to actually lock the hubs and run the 4*4?
3. does the truck have to be on to use manual shift? I thought it was done by the vacuum pump?
Thanks for the information
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 460
Likes: 51
From: Washington state
Is your truck a 2011? The 2011 did not come with completely manual hubs at least in the Lariette model. They are automatic but you can also manually engage them. You do not need to do anything except engage your truck in 4 wheel drive if they are set on automatic. I don't do anything to mine except when I need 4 wheel drive and I simply engage the truck in 4 wheel by the **** on the dash.It is my understanding that the manual setting is for a situation that you cannot get the hubs to engage automatically.
Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2011
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Most (if not all) of the 2011's are electronic locking hubs. My safe guess is that if you have an electronic switch to work the 4x4, as opposed to the traditional floor shifter, you should have electronic locking hubs. I know this was not true for the other models but I'm pretty sure the 2011's were fully electric.
Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,491
Likes: 5
From: Northern Arizona
Sorry but I am knew to 4*4 trucks. I have an f-250 with ESOF. I also have the manual locking hubs. My question is
1. Do I need to electrically shift to 4*4 and then manually lock the hubs to get the 4*4 to work, or can i simply manually lock the hubs and this will produce the same effect as the electronic shift? The manual didn't really say anything, and i thought the electric shift actually did something at the transfer case as opposed to the hubs locking?
1. Do I need to electrically shift to 4*4 and then manually lock the hubs to get the 4*4 to work, or can i simply manually lock the hubs and this will produce the same effect as the electronic shift? The manual didn't really say anything, and i thought the electric shift actually did something at the transfer case as opposed to the hubs locking?
ESOF will engage the hubs automatically when the switch is set to 4x4 hi or lo range. The hubs can usually be turned to 'lock' if the truck is sitting. If not, start the truck and roll forward or back few feet and you should be able to turn the hubs. Always make sure both sides are set the same!
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Yes, f-250 lariat fx-4. I am just trying to understand what the purpose of the manual hubs is? So your saying I would still need to switch the 4*4 high and then manually lock the hubs? I know to use the 4*4 switch... like i said just trying to figure out when or why i should use the manual. I have noticed Ford is the only trucks with these anymore.
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ESOF will engage the transfer case and the hubs when switched to 4x4 hi or lo range. The manual feature allows you to manually lock the hubs in case of a vacuum failure (usually in very cold weather) or if you want to ensure the hubs are always locked.
Just lock the hubs every other month or so and drive for 10 or 20 miles, no need to be in 4x4 mode as the hubs will engage and spin the axle shafts and front diff gear/pinion. There's no need to do that more often, in my opinion. This ensures that the hubs will engage when needed.
ESOF will engage the hubs automatically when the switch is set to 4x4 hi or lo range. The hubs can usually be turned to 'lock' if the truck is sitting. If not, start the truck and roll forward or back few feet and you should be able to turn the hubs. Always make sure both sides are set the same!
Just lock the hubs every other month or so and drive for 10 or 20 miles, no need to be in 4x4 mode as the hubs will engage and spin the axle shafts and front diff gear/pinion. There's no need to do that more often, in my opinion. This ensures that the hubs will engage when needed.
ESOF will engage the hubs automatically when the switch is set to 4x4 hi or lo range. The hubs can usually be turned to 'lock' if the truck is sitting. If not, start the truck and roll forward or back few feet and you should be able to turn the hubs. Always make sure both sides are set the same!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
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I have never manually set my hubs but I do run 4x4 high monthly between 0 and 35 MPH.
If it's not in the woods, I run it on a straight 1 mile side road after leaving work one evening.
Just don't make sharp turns on pavement.
If I can't remember if I used it in the woods, I do it anyways.
The ELD I'm not so good at remembering to engage.
If it's not in the woods, I run it on a straight 1 mile side road after leaving work one evening.
Just don't make sharp turns on pavement.
If I can't remember if I used it in the woods, I do it anyways.
The ELD I'm not so good at remembering to engage.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 224
Likes: 7
From: Regina, Saskatchewan
Yes, f-250 lariat fx-4. I am just trying to understand what the purpose of the manual hubs is? So your saying I would still need to switch the 4*4 high and then manually lock the hubs? I know to use the 4*4 switch... like i said just trying to figure out when or why i should use the manual. I have noticed Ford is the only trucks with these anymore.
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