locking hubs WTF?
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Joined: Jul 2013
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locking hubs WTF?
sorry, I just have to ask. 2005 4wd SD with a automatic trans, manual 4l/4H/2 shift on the floor and front locking hub ***** on the front axles. What is that all about? why do I need a **** on the front wheel hubs to lock the wheels? Ford has been making 4WD, AWD, etc for years, why is the hub lock needed and whats the diff if I go 4WD locked or unlocked.
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
This is the old style 4 wheel drive system. You manually turn the hubs then to engage the transfer case you use the lever on the floor.
Considered by many to be the better system for its simplicity and reliability.
ESOF, or shift on the fly automatically turns the hubs into the lock position. At the same time a shift solenoid engages the transfer case for you.
ESOF tends to get some vacumn leaks and then your hubs won't engage. You still can manually engage them though as the back up.
Old school but preferred by several.
Considered by many to be the better system for its simplicity and reliability.
ESOF, or shift on the fly automatically turns the hubs into the lock position. At the same time a shift solenoid engages the transfer case for you.
ESOF tends to get some vacumn leaks and then your hubs won't engage. You still can manually engage them though as the back up.
Old school but preferred by several.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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To specifically answer your question, the manual locks on the hubs are what engages the front wheels to the front axle. To answer your other question, if you engage 4WD and don't lock the hubs, you will be turning the front drive shaft and the front axle but you won't be turning the front wheels so you will be in 2WD, not 4WD.
Brian
Brian
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