Beware - Warning
New User
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I am a neophyte when it comes to this stuff. I have a 2008 F350 FX4 with locking (manual) front hubs. I've driven in 4X4 once or twice but never have them locked. I'm gathering that I should do that from time to time. Please forgive the stupidity of this question, but how will I know when driving if I have created a problem with the hubs?
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
I agree, the electronic crap seems to take forever to engage, lol
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
That is correct.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,247
Likes: 4,267
From: Kaysville Utah
Thats about the only time in the last 14 years that I've used the manual lock. The vacuum pump on my 2006 went out and I need 4x4. The auto would not engage, So I jumped out and turned the hubs in manually and had the 4x4 that I needed.
A few days later, bought a new vacuum pump and two or three screws later I was back in business to use the Auto.
Pryan, I don't think it matters too much which way you engage your hubs. As long as your periodically exercise them by engaging the 4x4 and using it. What difference is it, whether you manually or with Vacuum assist move the gear over to engage. Moving the gear is what is important to keeping the grease moving, not how it's moved.
A few days later, bought a new vacuum pump and two or three screws later I was back in business to use the Auto.
Pryan, I don't think it matters too much which way you engage your hubs. As long as your periodically exercise them by engaging the 4x4 and using it. What difference is it, whether you manually or with Vacuum assist move the gear over to engage. Moving the gear is what is important to keeping the grease moving, not how it's moved.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
Cool. Thanks for the info. I use my 4x4 regularly in the winter. I run it a bit in the summer to keep it lubed and working as well. Might turn those manually now and then if I remember but as long as the auto is working they should be fine.
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Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
While it may be true that the automatic system will exercise the true working parts of the hub, it is still possible for the manual dial to seize up. This isn't as much of a concern as it was on the pre-2005 trucks, but our hubs are at risk depending on the conditions that we drive our trucks in. You don't really need to drive it that way, just twist the dial on both hubs at every oil change. It may surprise you when you turn one and it feels real gritty!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Albany NY
While it may be true that the automatic system will exercise the true working parts of the hub, it is still possible for the manual dial to seize up. This isn't as much of a concern as it was on the pre-2005 trucks, but our hubs are at risk depending on the conditions that we drive our trucks in. You don't really need to drive it that way, just twist the dial on both hubs at every oil change. It may surprise you when you turn one and it feels real gritty!
What changed post 2005? Different axel or different hubs?
-Bobby
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,392
Likes: 1
From: Green Lane, Pa.
I admittedly haven't completely researched exactly how the hubs work on the Super Dutys - whether they fail locked or unlocked - but on the F-150's, they failed unlocked. With no vacuum, you had no front hub engagement and no way to override. I assumed that these hubs worked the same with regards to vacuum availability, but we have an override in the form of a manual lock in case of failure.
On my 2013 F 150 vacuum unlocks the front hubs so if you lost vacuum you would still have FWD but would have no way of unlocking the front.
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 5
From: Maryland
The axle itself is still a Dana 60, but they changed all the outer hardware on them in 05 when the wheel offset changed.
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 10,107
Likes: 96
From: Hempstead, TX
Mine was '07. A vacuum leak on mine resulted in losing that hub.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
hubs
The real lesson here is to get into the habit every now and then to get out and manually turn those hubs, to check them for ease of turning because they may need some greasing at some point. Otherwise, if you don't manually turn them, when they fail, you will have no 4x4 and you will have a hefty repair bill. I was very lucky it happened just before my drive train warranty expires.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
In the auto hub mode, in 2 wheel drive, it is a free wheeling system and you will get better gas mileage. You can still engage 4x4 by engaging the **** inside the cab as long as the vacuum system engages. In very cold weather, or damage below by debris the vacuum system can fail and thus no 4x4. By engaging the hub to the lock position occasionally, even in 2 wheel drive the system is turning and your gas mileage will be affected. With the front hubs on lock and turning the **** inside the cab to 4x4 it will engage the 4x4 without the vacuum system. It is a backup fail safe system should you ever be in a situation where you need 4x4 and the auto mode won't engage.
The real lesson here is to get into the habit every now and then to get out and manually turn those hubs, to check them for ease of turning because they may need some greasing at some point. Otherwise, if you don't manually turn them, when they fail, you will have no 4x4 and you will have a hefty repair bill. I was very lucky it happened just before my drive train warranty expires.