Hubs
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
For me, if I know I am going to be needing 4 wheel drive, ie: beach week, snow in the forecast, I lock my hubs and leave them locked for the duration. That way there is never any question as to weather or not they will engage. As far as the cold temps go...my guess is that the fluid in the transfer case is "heavy" because of the low temp and since the shifting is done via servo the servo doesn't have enough power to overcome the viscosity of the transfer case fluid at the lower temps. My question to the guys in low temp area's, will it shift once the transfer case has warmed up?
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: herriman utah
so let me get this strait, if the hubs are in auto and the 4wd is off, the front u joints are not spinning?? the front diff is not turning and the front driveshaft is not turning either?? turn the hubs to manual and the front u joints spin, the front diff turns, front driveshaft turns, but only because the front wheels are rolling and no power is applied because the t case is not in 4wd???
both my dodges drove with the the front diff and driveshaft always turning regardless if you were in 4wd or not, this was a cost cutting measure, the trucks before oh about the 2000 model year had a vacuum system called center axle disconnect, this also allowed them to mod the truck to be able to shift into 4lo but not into actual 4wd, it would be called 2 lo, which was helpful in backing trailers up steep hills and other things. then they had a manuel switch that activated the CAD unit and full 4wd ( I wonder if the same mod could be done to a ford) alot of guys put on a dynatrack free spin kit, (locking hubs) and most reported about a 1 mpg increase in mileage. another thing to note is that not having the CAD system caused both my trucks to need front u joints before 100k miles.
both my dodges drove with the the front diff and driveshaft always turning regardless if you were in 4wd or not, this was a cost cutting measure, the trucks before oh about the 2000 model year had a vacuum system called center axle disconnect, this also allowed them to mod the truck to be able to shift into 4lo but not into actual 4wd, it would be called 2 lo, which was helpful in backing trailers up steep hills and other things. then they had a manuel switch that activated the CAD unit and full 4wd ( I wonder if the same mod could be done to a ford) alot of guys put on a dynatrack free spin kit, (locking hubs) and most reported about a 1 mpg increase in mileage. another thing to note is that not having the CAD system caused both my trucks to need front u joints before 100k miles.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
so let me get this strait, if the hubs are in auto and the 4wd is off, the front u joints are not spinning?? the front diff is not turning and the front driveshaft is not turning either?? turn the hubs to manual and the front u joints spin, the front diff turns, front driveshaft turns, but only because the front wheels are rolling and no power is applied because the t case is not in 4wd???.
Steering Arm, Drag Link & Stabilizer 2011 F350 Super Duty - YouTube
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: herriman utah
thanks for the vid epic, that answered my question once and for all!!!! I will also say that is an advantage our trucks have over current dodges, thats at least 1 mpg there and likely no u joint replacement before 100k miles!!!! with a dodge all that stuff is turning, the ring gear is moving heavy gear lube around and the front drive shaft and u joints are turning. come to think of it I also had to replace the front u joints on the 2006 dodge before 100k!!!!! that probably cost me 6-700 to get done!!!!! with ford those autta last forever.
I did have one hub get left in manual for some time without me knowing it. I HOPE it wasn't too hard on the spider gears in the front diff. so GO check your trucks and make sure one of yours isn't in manual like mine was. I just greased mine the other day, as little as those front u joints get used its going to be a long time before I grease them again.
I did have one hub get left in manual for some time without me knowing it. I HOPE it wasn't too hard on the spider gears in the front diff. so GO check your trucks and make sure one of yours isn't in manual like mine was. I just greased mine the other day, as little as those front u joints get used its going to be a long time before I grease them again.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
With the hubs left in Auto, can't we just turn the dash **** on occasion to engage and keep the system lubricated that way? As long as we don't drive on pavement? That's at least what I've always done with all my other 4x4's, but then they never had manual engage hubs either.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
I drove my 2000 all winter with the hubs locked, will be doing the same on my '11 as well. I like to prepare for any ditch exploration in case I hit some black ice and end up off the road. ESOF sucks when you're already stuck...
The problem with 'exercising' the system with the hubs in auto is that you're engaging the transfer case, so if you're on dry roads, better drive straight or you're going to feel it bind up. With the hubs locked, you get to stay in 2wd, yet get things spinning up front with no transfer case engagement, which equals no bind.
The problem with 'exercising' the system with the hubs in auto is that you're engaging the transfer case, so if you're on dry roads, better drive straight or you're going to feel it bind up. With the hubs locked, you get to stay in 2wd, yet get things spinning up front with no transfer case engagement, which equals no bind.
New User
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Boise, ID
I had questions about this too, thanks for the information. To check it out, you can freely turn the front drive shaft between the transfer case and the front differential when the hubs are in Auto. Switching the hubs to Lock, the drive shaft no longer turns. I guess I should go exercise the hubs a little too, since there doesn't seem to be any snow in the future here. 
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 6,600
Likes: 84
I always thought simply turning to 4Hi would take care of keeping things in working order since the hubs are set to auto.
If I haven't been in the woods for awhile, I do use a usually deserted paved road near my office every few weeks.
Driving straight, no turning.
If I haven't been in the woods for awhile, I do use a usually deserted paved road near my office every few weeks.
Driving straight, no turning.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
I have a 5-10 min straight drive through a town on my way to/from work that's usually only moving about 20mph. In the summer, I'll just throw it in 4wd (hubs on auto) to keep things from gettin' cobwebs on 'em.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1,153
From: Edmonton Alberta
For me, if I know I am going to be needing 4 wheel drive, ie: beach week, snow in the forecast, I lock my hubs and leave them locked for the duration. That way there is never any question as to weather or not they will engage. As far as the cold temps go...my guess is that the fluid in the transfer case is "heavy" because of the low temp and since the shifting is done via servo the servo doesn't have enough power to overcome the viscosity of the transfer case fluid at the lower temps. My question to the guys in low temp area's, will it shift once the transfer case has warmed up?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,326
Likes: 18
From: Gilbert
I've only seen single digits and never had an issue with the transfer case not engaging (due to temps). I did have a different issue with the ESOF system though which I documented in the 6.2 forum, but since we all share pretty much the same drivetrain components, here's what was fixed (Check 4x4 light would come on when engaging 4wd)
According to the paperwork given to me by the dealer, it states the following:
Customer states the service 4x4 light comes on when engaged (this is wrong, it's actually Check 4x4 , service writer documented it incorrectly, no worries though)
Misc replace valve assembly 81005 W94
Part # 6L3Z-9E441-A
Cause: Electronic 4x4 diagnostic P1867, C1010:13. Clear DTC and engauge/disengauge 4x4 5 times per SSM 21807. Code did not reoccur. Perform pinpoint test K for C1010:13. K1-Y, K19-Y, K20-Y, K21-N. Replace CVH solenoid. Retest. Pass.
According to the paperwork given to me by the dealer, it states the following:
Customer states the service 4x4 light comes on when engaged (this is wrong, it's actually Check 4x4 , service writer documented it incorrectly, no worries though)
Misc replace valve assembly 81005 W94
Part # 6L3Z-9E441-A
Cause: Electronic 4x4 diagnostic P1867, C1010:13. Clear DTC and engauge/disengauge 4x4 5 times per SSM 21807. Code did not reoccur. Perform pinpoint test K for C1010:13. K1-Y, K19-Y, K20-Y, K21-N. Replace CVH solenoid. Retest. Pass.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 340
Likes: 2
From: Colorado foot hills
At least my truck has a locking rear axle, have to turn off traction control to make it go if the xfer case/hubs don't lock into 4wd. If i don't disengage the traction control, the truck will just plain not move when the tires start to spin.
just sayin....
jammer
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1,153
From: Edmonton Alberta
Congratulations! My truck has exhibited this 'too cold to shift' behavior for two winters now. Dealer was no help, Cory from Ford customer service tried, but was unable to help.
At least my truck has a locking rear axle, have to turn off traction control to make it go if the xfer case/hubs don't lock into 4wd. If i don't disengage the traction control, the truck will just plain not move when the tires start to spin.
just sayin....
jammer
At least my truck has a locking rear axle, have to turn off traction control to make it go if the xfer case/hubs don't lock into 4wd. If i don't disengage the traction control, the truck will just plain not move when the tires start to spin.
just sayin....
jammer
I accept your congratulations! It is about the only issue discussed here that I do not have! I have the locking rear axle as well but it does not work most of the time
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Sterling, Colorado
I, for one, am thrilled to have the locking diff. It has unquestionably added a significant degree of capability for the conditions I drive in.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1,153
From: Edmonton Alberta
Care to elaborate? You saying that mechancially it doesnt function, or just that the locked axle doesnt seem to help you get going any better?
I, for one, am thrilled to have the locking diff. It has unquestionably added a significant degree of capability for the conditions I drive in.
I, for one, am thrilled to have the locking diff. It has unquestionably added a significant degree of capability for the conditions I drive in.