Stupid 4x4 question
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: New Orleans, LA
Stupid 4x4 question
Do the front hubs need to be locked to have 4x4 high engage?
The reason I ask is that i went to use my 4x4 for the first time yesterday and it didnt seem to engage, as i spun the rear wheels trying to get up a steep incline. I then decided to put it in 4 low and lock the front hubs and climbed up with no problem or wheel spin. I always thought that the 4x4 high was switch on the fly auto but i could be wrong as I havent had an older 4x4 like my 01.
If this is not the case than why would the solenoids engage 4 low but not 4 high?
Thanks for the help.
The reason I ask is that i went to use my 4x4 for the first time yesterday and it didnt seem to engage, as i spun the rear wheels trying to get up a steep incline. I then decided to put it in 4 low and lock the front hubs and climbed up with no problem or wheel spin. I always thought that the 4x4 high was switch on the fly auto but i could be wrong as I havent had an older 4x4 like my 01.
If this is not the case than why would the solenoids engage 4 low but not 4 high?
Thanks for the help.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 10
From: Snohomish, WA
Your hubs will engage in both high and low range. You more than likely have a vacuum leak which is keeping the hubs from auto-engaging when you select 4x4. There are a few places to look, the first is the lines from the frame to the hubs. These often rot out and won't hold vacuum. The other common spot is in the hub. also have you ever taken your auto-lock hubs apart and cleaned them?
You could also have a problem with the vacuum pump too!
You could also have a problem with the vacuum pump too!
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5,470
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From: Pea Ridge, AR
I assume you have ESOF? If so they just need to be in auto, and functioning correctly with good vacuum. Does the A/C change to defrost when trying to engage?
If you have a manual transfer case(shifter on the floor) then they must be locked. As there is only a lock and off position.
If you have a manual transfer case(shifter on the floor) then they must be locked. As there is only a lock and off position.
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Senior User
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From: New Orleans, LA
ESOF?? I didnt notice if the ac changed to defrost when trying to engage. I dont have the manual transfer case it is the dial that would be vacuum activated. I had the hubs in auto when trying to engage the 4 high but didnt seem to engage. went to neutral and switched to 4 low got out locked the hubs and 4wd worked just fine.
I will check for some leaks when i get the chance but is there a noise the system makes when locking into gear or is it fairly quite and you just have to feel the truck out to know its engaged.
I will check for some leaks when i get the chance but is there a noise the system makes when locking into gear or is it fairly quite and you just have to feel the truck out to know its engaged.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: AL, Reform
do you have a switch in the dash for the 4X4 or a lever in the floor. if the dash (ESOF) you have a vacuum leak on the hubs, the line that goes to them. if the lever then you have to lock them in Manuel.
More Turbo
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 687
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From: Lake Charles, LA
ESOF: Electronic Shift On the Fly, it is vacuum activated. You have a leak somewhere or your vacuum pump is not working. Most likely a leak. As mentioned before, the hoses from frame to hubs is one place to look. Lets hope its this, or else you have to tear down the hub assembly to change the seals. Not a bad job, just involved and not as easy as rotted hose. I just did mine a few weeks ago because of the same issue you are describing. If you lock the hubs you will have 4 high as well as 4 low. The only noise i notice is the transfer case shifting, i dont hear noise from hubs.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: New Orleans, LA
Ok thanks guys
Just to be clear in an emergency for the next couple days till i can fix it or get it fixed, I can manually lock the hubs up front if need be for 4 wheel drive correct?
I am taking a trip back home to louisiana on thursday and if i cant get resolved before then just want to make sure i can have 4wd to cross passes if necessary.
Just to be clear in an emergency for the next couple days till i can fix it or get it fixed, I can manually lock the hubs up front if need be for 4 wheel drive correct?
I am taking a trip back home to louisiana on thursday and if i cant get resolved before then just want to make sure i can have 4wd to cross passes if necessary.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 10
From: Snohomish, WA
Try taking your hubs apart and cleaning them per the instructions listed below.
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page
It may be all you need to do!
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page
It may be all you need to do!
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