Manual locking hubs
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Kentucky
Manual locking hubs
I'm fairly new to 4X4 and have a couple of questions. My' 95 F150 (351) has manual locking hubs. Although I do not drive in 4 wheel drive often, what damage would it cause, if any, if I left the hubs in the locked position during normal driving conditions (without 4X4 engaged), instead of the free position. And I've been told that it's a good idea to drive the truck with the 4X4 engaged for about a mile or so ever so often just to keep the fluids fresh. If that's true how often should this be done? Thanks for your help.
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,594
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From: Southern Oregon USA
Manual locking hubs
I run with my hubs locked all winter long. If I get into a situation where I need 4wd, it's just a quick pull of the transfer case shifter. Usually when you start to get sideways in the snow or ice, its too late to lock the hubs. 
You might notice a slight decrease in fuel mileage, but it won't cause any wear to the front axle.
As for driving in 4wd occasionally, most of the recommendations I've seen are once a month.
Jason
You might notice a slight decrease in fuel mileage, but it won't cause any wear to the front axle.
As for driving in 4wd occasionally, most of the recommendations I've seen are once a month.
Jason
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,205
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From: Vancouver WA
Manual locking hubs
You will have some amount of extra wear because all of the front drivetrain will be rotating instead of just sitting there. I wouldn't worry about it though. Yes there probably will be a slight decrease in mileage.
Also, it isn't recommended to drive on high traction surfaces (i.e. dry pavement) with 4X4 engaged for any substantial distance. The front differential is geared ever so slightly higher than the rear, and if there is too much traction for the tires to slip you can damage the transfer case.
Also, it isn't recommended to drive on high traction surfaces (i.e. dry pavement) with 4X4 engaged for any substantial distance. The front differential is geared ever so slightly higher than the rear, and if there is too much traction for the tires to slip you can damage the transfer case.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
Manual locking hubs
During winter my hubs stay locking in most of the time. I prefer to keep them from wearing out and unlock when I can. If you have ever replaced worn out TTB front end parts you will never want to do it again. Plus when turning tight it binds some and it does drag down gas mileage. As for lubrication dont worry about locking the hubs. Just pull it into 4 wheel when stopped and drive a mile. It will turn the front end axels and cause no binding in the front end since the wheels aren't locked to them.
Tyler
95 F-150 302 5 Speed 33x12.5 rubber
94 F-250 7.3 Diesel 5 Speed
Tyler
95 F-150 302 5 Speed 33x12.5 rubber
94 F-250 7.3 Diesel 5 Speed
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
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From: Memphis, TN
Manual locking hubs
Originally posted by 13hondacr250
...keep them from wearing out...
...keep them from wearing out...
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,067
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
Manual locking hubs
Steve, I know hub locks don't wear. I'm refering to the u-joints in the axels. As for bearings there are only two roller bearings anywhere near the outer end of the stub axels. There the bearings that ride on the spindle. The locking hub (at least on mine) has no bearings inside.
Tyler
95 F-150 302
94 F-250 Diesel PSD
Tyler
95 F-150 302
94 F-250 Diesel PSD
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