Hi,

I got my newest project (84 F250 4x4 351w) out of the field it had been sitting in for the 18 months and got it down to the service station. Was running great once I got it started and warmed up.

I noticed at the gas station (probably 3-4 miles away) that the front manual-locking hubs were almost burn you hot. I had used 4wd to get it out of the pasture it had been sitting in and that worked flawlessly. I then switched it back to 2wd and set hubs to "Free". Im stumped as to what could cause this.. Maybe I need some new wheel bearings up there?

Also, I got about 5mi out of town and I started losing power rather precipitously. I had oil pressure when I left the gas station, lost oil pressure suddenly and when I stopped the truck it had a massive overheat there on the side of the freeway, spilling over it's overflow tank. Of course, the coolant temp sensor was out so I had no idea it was coming After my $200 tow bill I had to move it to a parking space, fired right up, ran rough, oil pressure is back. Hoping beyond hope that when I get the cooling issue resolved I don't start getting the dreaded knocking sound......

 

The hubs should not feel warm, much less hot, after a short drive like that. I'm betting the wheel bearings need repacked or replaced. I would advise checking them out before attempting to drive the truck again. Bearings are much cheaper than spindles and hubs, which can be damaged rather easily if the bearings sieze while driving.
I drove a 4x4 truck from SF CA, to OK (~1500 miles), and the hubs never even felt warm. About 1/2 the distance, they were in "free", and the other 1/2 locked. It was sunny and 80F in CA, but 14" of snow fell on NM, TX, and OK, which meant the front axle was engaged anytime I got off the interstate, so I just left the hubs locked.

 

I'd bet a brake caliper is sticking. jack up the wheel with the hub free and see how easy or hard it turns. Then try it with the hub locked (in 2WD so you can turn the wheel) and see if it's hard to turn..