Auto Locking Hubs
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New User
Joined: Nov 2011
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Auto Locking Hubs
2002 F250 4x4 with auto locking hubs. Auto stopped working a few months back. Now, manually turning one of the hubs to lock has become impossible. Took apart, cleaned, lubed, just wont turn. Can I use manual on/off hubs like Warn, even though they only have on/off vs. my current locked/auto. If so, when I put in locked, do I still need to turn the switch in the truck to 4 high or 4 low?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Yes, Yes and Yes!. 
Seriously, many around here swap their auto hubs for Warns or Mile Markers. You still use the switch inside to go into 4WD, you just have to get out and turn the hubs when you want 4 wheel drive. They operate the same way, just no "auto" setting.
You'll have to remember to cap the vacuum lines at the back of the hub if you do the switch. The job is easy, maybe took me 20 minutes for the hub switch. Took longer to cap the lines.
Seriously, many around here swap their auto hubs for Warns or Mile Markers. You still use the switch inside to go into 4WD, you just have to get out and turn the hubs when you want 4 wheel drive. They operate the same way, just no "auto" setting.
You'll have to remember to cap the vacuum lines at the back of the hub if you do the switch. The job is easy, maybe took me 20 minutes for the hub switch. Took longer to cap the lines.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
The easiest way (to me) was to remove the rubber vacuum line. Once you did that, you have 2 vacuum nipples left, one on top and one on the hub. I bought small rubber vacuum plugs from the auto parts store (cost about 3 bucks), slid them on then slipped a small wire tie around them. Snugged them up and was good to go.
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 13
From: Forest lake minnesota
If you have a bad bearing it might of taken out the vacume seal there for losing the hub vacume.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
Agreed. I use my 4WD a lot, and want to KNOW that it's in 4WD and not have to "hope" that the vacuum hubs pulled in.
I'd rather be sure.
I'd rather be sure.
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Another hub question......I was hunting upo in the mountains on a rainy weekend...needed the 4x4 to get around...now my left hub sounds like it is slipping in and out of 4x4...kind of makes a ratcheting sound then thuds....not always,but frequently...of course when I took it to the dealer (extended warranty) they say they can't find anything wrong. Having read some of these other threads about hubs, I am thinking I may be able to tackle this myself, but not sure where to start...should I just flat out change the hub? If I do should i change both while I am at it?
New User
Joined: Mar 2014
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locking hubs
Hi, new member here.
I own a 1999 Ranger and the left wheel would not engage in 4x4. I have auto lock. Took it to a mechanic who installed a used manual hub. Now it slips in and out of 4x4. Is this kosher to have one hub manual and the other auto? Thanks for any help. Great web site.
I own a 1999 Ranger and the left wheel would not engage in 4x4. I have auto lock. Took it to a mechanic who installed a used manual hub. Now it slips in and out of 4x4. Is this kosher to have one hub manual and the other auto? Thanks for any help. Great web site.
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92_FlareSide
1983 - 2012 Ranger & B-Series
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Jul 27, 2007 08:45 PM
