This truck defies Ford logic. It has auto hubs, a manual transfer gear selector on the tunnel, and no vacume control switches anywhere. Ford techs tell me I have manual hubs if I have the manual gear selector. I tell them (and show them) I have auto hubs. Then they I have a vacume hub control swithes on my dash, which I dont. I seem to have a mix of auto hubs with manual controls. There are no vacume lines anywhere close to the front axle (Dana 40 I think).

The front axle turns right up to the spindles. I'm losing my hair becuse I'm sctratching my head so much trying to figure this out.

Has anyone heard, seen or ohterwise know of this set up? The GVWR on the truck is noted as 8800 lbs +

 

Not 100% sure on fords but I know other companies made trucks with a manual lever transfer case and auto hubs. You shift the transfer case into 4wd and hubs locked automatically, to unlock you had to back up about 50ft. All my fords have been manual hubs though.

 

I dont know who is telling you that you have vacuum controlled hubs on a 97 F250hd but they dont know what they are talking about.

The 80-97 f250/F350 was never offer with anything other than a Lever to engage the 4wd. Manual hubs were standard and auto hubs were an Option. It sounds as though your hubs are not working. You can take them apart, clean and LIGHTLY grease them. If that doesnt work, I would put a set of manual hubs on

 

I thought about that. I wanted to get a handle on the vacum stuff before that. Im told by ford techs that the vacume lines hook directily to the spindle from the diaphram on the front diff, or from a source from the engine compartment. I cant find either. Only tube on the axle is the breather. Seems manual conversion is looking better. Thank you for your info. I'm new to fourms, but I can see it will be useful as there are good people out there that know more than I do.

 

The way it was explained to me on this forum is that when the transfer case is engaged and the front axle shafts start spinning the centrifugal force is what causes the front hubs to engage on the auto hubs. the auto hubs do not know if you have a lever or a pushbutton operated transfer case. I originally thought the auto hubs were vacuum or solenoid operated.

personally i would just swap the hubs to manual

matt

 

The SuperDutys in 99 went to the vacuum operated auto hubs. Before that they are self contained

 

All that seems to add up. I think I'll try to rebuld (gulp), then convert as a back up. Iknow Warn Premiums run about $220 for a kit. I have a 84 toy with auto hubs, never did like them.

Thanks again,

Rich

 

Superwinch #400439 They run from 125-150. I have yet to break a set, even in the pulling truck.

You also need a "conversion kit" to got to manuals. The kit consists of 2 nuts and a washer per side. Just go to your local junk yard and but a used set for ALOT cheaper