Ques on Warn Locking Hubs
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Ques on Warn Locking Hubs
I am looking for another Excursion (or possible a SD) and notice some have Warn locking hubs installed. What are the advantages to Warn. I had to replace my hubs awhile back and remember the Ford OEM ones weren't cheap so I know they are cheaper but do they still allow you to engage and disengage 4wd from the cab?
Thanks
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 196
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From: Raleigh, NC
I am looking for another Excursion (or possible a SD) and notice some have Warn locking hubs installed. What are the advantages to Warn. I had to replace my hubs awhile back and remember the Ford OEM ones weren't cheap so I know they are cheaper but do they still allow you to engage and disengage 4wd from the cab?
Thanks
Thanks
If you convert to manual locking hubs you will need to plug the vacuum lines that run to the spindles that activate the ESOF (Electronic Shift On the Fly) hubs. Very easy job.
Not an issue for me so far since I installed Warn hubs on my Ex.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 762
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From: Country
They do not engage from the cab. I went with the stainless steel mile marker hubs in my F350. Is currently still use the dash switch to shift the transfer case. But for those who are old enough to drive 4x4 before electronic and vacuum hubs, when winter comes to AK, I lock the hubs, and leave till spring, and just shift the switch when I need 4x4. I have been collecting the parts to change from the switch to a shifter on the floor. Hopefully can do that part soon!
Then no more guessing if I'm in 4x4 or not!
Garry
Then no more guessing if I'm in 4x4 or not!
Garry
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From: Westfield, Indiana
Front wheels spin freely if the hubs are not locked, where the transfer case is set doesn't matter.
With hubs locked, switch to 4HI and wheels will be powered via the front differential.
With hubs unlocked and in 4HI the transfer case will power the front drive train but unless your hubs are locked you are not going to transfer that power to your wheels.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Westfield, Indiana
That's called ESOF electronic shift on the fly and in theory great idea, saves you having to get out and lock them. Bad side is the often fail, as they are controlled by a vacuum and electronics. If they fail you are stuck because there is no manual way to lock them. So manuals IMHO are much better. If you think you are going to need them lock them in, then if you do need them flip your switch. If you don't it won't hurt anything to run with your hubs locked in 2wd. I do it whenever it snows and I know some run all winter like that, but will decrease your mileage a tad. Worst case if you didn't plan ahead and find yourself needing 4WD you might have to get a little dirty/cold to lock them in yourself.
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
OEM hubs have "Auto" and "Lock" positions.
"Auto" means they lock and unlock through the vacuum system when you activate the 4x4 switch on the dash.
If the vacuum system is faulty for any reason, you can switch your hubs to the "Lock" position then activate the 4x4 switch on the dash and you still have four-wheel drive capability.
The "Lock" position locks the hubs the same way the Warn units do.
Stewart
Last edited by Stewart_H; Jan 1, 2013 at 06:22 PM.
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Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Westfield, Indiana
Not quite correct.
OEM hubs have "Auto" and "Lock" positions.
"Auto" means they lock and unlock through the vacuum system when you activate the 4x4 switch on the dash.
If the vacuum system is faulty for any reason, you can switch your hubs to the "Lock" position then activate the 4x4 switch on the dash and you still have four-wheel drive capability.
The "Lock" position locks the hubs the same way the Warn units do.
Stewart
OEM hubs have "Auto" and "Lock" positions.
"Auto" means they lock and unlock through the vacuum system when you activate the 4x4 switch on the dash.
If the vacuum system is faulty for any reason, you can switch your hubs to the "Lock" position then activate the 4x4 switch on the dash and you still have four-wheel drive capability.
The "Lock" position locks the hubs the same way the Warn units do.
Stewart
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
The words may have worn off (like they did on my wife's Ex...you couldn't see them) but the hub switch could be rotated from "Auto" to "Lock."
When rotated to the "Lock" position, they functioned just like manual locking hubs, like the Warn units. When rotated to the "Auto" position, they activated via the vacuum system when the dash switch is activated to 4hi or 4lo.
Stewart
Last edited by Stewart_H; Jan 1, 2013 at 06:31 PM.
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Westfield, Indiana
Ok got you. So on the OEM ones you could set it to only engage when you flip the switch. I honestly never looked at my OEM ones that closely. Ripped them out a few weeks after I got the truck, do know they wouldn't even turn but never noticed what they said for wording.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
The standard position (default setting? LOL!) most people use is the "Auto" position. That way when a person wants 4-wheel drive activated, with the OEM hubs in the "Auto" position, all a person has to do is rotate the switch on the dash to 4hi. That's when the vacuum system comes into play.
Vacuum lines provide the stimulus to activate a diaphragm that forces the hubs to lock.
Stewart
Last edited by Stewart_H; Jan 1, 2013 at 06:39 PM.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
Here are the OEM hub maintenance procedures courtesy of Guzzle, if anyone is interested.
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page
Stewart
Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page
Stewart
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From: Media PA
I am currently on the fence deciding which hubs to run. My stock front axle housing has the original perfectly functioning auto hubs, we really like this feature. The new axle housing I'll be installing soon (4.88 gears) has a set of Warns, I've used Warns plenty in the past without any problems just not as handy as the auto hubs. And I don't like how they sit too far inside the hubcaps/lug covers. I will most likely swap in the new housing with the Warns and leave it be until I get a chance to swap over the auto hubs. With my luck thats when I'll find vacuum seal issues and have to switch back......