Hubs
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,470
Likes: 3
From: Pea Ridge, AR
With the hubs locked there would be slightly more drag on the front axle since instead of just turning the wheel at the unit bearing, you would be turning everything, axles, ring and pinion, as well as front driveshaft with them locked.
Drag may equal MPG and wear depending on lubrication, play in bearings, etc.
Drag may equal MPG and wear depending on lubrication, play in bearings, etc.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
With the hubs locked there would be slightly more drag on the front axle since instead of just turning the wheel at the unit bearing, you would be turning everything, axles, ring and pinion, as well as front driveshaft with them locked.
Drag may equal MPG and wear depending on lubrication, play in bearings, etc.
Drag may equal MPG and wear depending on lubrication, play in bearings, etc.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
If you have auto hubs the only reason you'd set them to lock is if they are not functioning in "auto"
For example, when I take my TH to the desert, our campsite is about 6 miles off the freeway on a dirt and sand road. When I get off the freeway I stop long enough to pull off the sway control AND lock my front hubs. I do this just in case I need it on the way into camp. Locking them after you're stuck is sometimes too late.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,470
Likes: 3
From: Pea Ridge, AR
I suppose that would depend on your chances of needing to engage the 4WD. During winter, I leave mine locked sometimes all winter, usually for a week here and there. If I was going to be off-road, like when I am at the sand dunes, I will leave them locked, to allow for quicker engagement, not to mention, in the event I get stuck I do not have to get out into what ever mess, to lock them in, just shift into 4WD.
Really it's just personal preference IMO.
Really it's just personal preference IMO.
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
If you have manual hubs you lock them in a situation where you're pretty sure you're going to need 4WD, that way you just flip the ESOF switch on the dash and you're locked up.
If you have auto hubs the only reason you'd set them to lock is if they are not functioning in "auto"
For example, when I take my TH to the desert, our campsite is about 6 miles off the freeway on a dirt and sand road. When I get off the freeway I stop long enough to pull off the sway control AND lock my front hubs. I do this just in case I need it on the way into camp. Locking them after you're stuck is sometimes too late.
If you have auto hubs the only reason you'd set them to lock is if they are not functioning in "auto"
For example, when I take my TH to the desert, our campsite is about 6 miles off the freeway on a dirt and sand road. When I get off the freeway I stop long enough to pull off the sway control AND lock my front hubs. I do this just in case I need it on the way into camp. Locking them after you're stuck is sometimes too late.
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Laughing Gas
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From: Newberry Springs, CA
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I believe that I have manual. I haven't recognized a switch on my dash for it. If I had one where exactly would it be?
Would that be auto on the hubs them selves or on the dash switch?
Would that be auto on the hubs them selves or on the dash switch?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
If you have a manual system, you'll have a gearshift mechanism in the floor to shift between 2WD and 4WD, and typically those style hubs are marked "Free" and "Lock".
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Elder User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 930
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
If you have an ESOF (Electronic Shift On the Fly) system, there will be a switch about mid-dashboard where you switch from 2WD to 4WD Hi and 4WD Low. The hubs will have 2 settings, "Auto" and "Lock".
If you have a manual system, you'll have a gearshift mechanism in the floor to shift between 2WD and 4WD, and typically those style hubs are marked "Free" and "Lock".
If you have a manual system, you'll have a gearshift mechanism in the floor to shift between 2WD and 4WD, and typically those style hubs are marked "Free" and "Lock".
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 991
Likes: 6
From: Newberry Springs, CA
The there should be a **** on the dash on the gear selector side with 3 settings, 2WD, 4X4 Hi and 4X4 Low.
You'll still need to look at your hubs to see if you have auto or manual hubs. The ESOF systems came with auto hubs as stock, but they may have been changed out.
You'll still need to look at your hubs to see if you have auto or manual hubs. The ESOF systems came with auto hubs as stock, but they may have been changed out.
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
I leave the hubs on the wheels in AUTO and when I need it I will engage 4x4 and my hubs lock like they are supposed to.