Autohubs Not Working
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,196
Likes: 398
From: Odessa, Delaware
Autohubs Not Working
I decided to take my truck to work today since we got about 6" of snow this morning. Heading down my road, my back tires were spinning very easily so I decided to engage the 4wheel high switch. I back off the throttle and hit the switch for 4 wheel high. Came up to a stop sign on a slight hill and could not get going without getting the truck sideways. I could tell my front wheels were not engaged. I got out and manually move the hubs and pulled away without any problems. So once this artic weather breaks, looks like I will be doing some investigation on why the auto hubs are not working.
Just my morning rant for the day!
Just my morning rant for the day!
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,196
Likes: 398
From: Odessa, Delaware
I'm hoping it has to do more because of the weather. We have had some really cold days here and it is not going to get above freezing until after this weekend.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 642
Likes: 0
From: Olathe, KS
Temps always get mine. I have replaced everything there is, they work flawless until that early cold morning. Once they are worked usually will function after that. Sounds like others as well feel our pain. lol
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks, AK
Anything below 0 degrees I just keep the hubs locked in, which is pretty much all winter. I've been sadly disappointed with my "shift on the fly" **** too many times when its really needed. As long as the hubs are locked the actuator works at all temps. At least down to -56. Been that way since it was brand new. And i expect my new F-450 will be just as finicky with cold weather. Still prefer the dash switch to the floor mount shift.
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,196
Likes: 398
From: Odessa, Delaware
Can you leave the hubs locked and still drive highway speeds? I'm sure by the time I get out of work today, the roads will be cleared so I won't need the 4-wheel.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks, AK
Can you? Yes. Should you? Opinions may vary. I do because of necessity. Our road conditions here change by the mile and by the hour. Our highway speeds around town don't exceed 55 mph. Your owners manual does have recommendations.
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Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,196
Likes: 398
From: Odessa, Delaware
I won't be getting over 55 that much so I guess I will leave them in until I get home. Knowing my luck, I will unlock them before I leave from work but will need it locked back in when I get closer to my house.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 4,654
Likes: 20
From: Tewksbury, MA
When mine were stuck engaged I was commuting 60ish miles a day (30 both ways) on the highway going 60-70 without issues and also I had no choice since it was my only vehicle at the time and my auto hubs were stuck lol. I just tried to avoid full lock because the front will bind and it sounds nasty. I did that for about two weeks until I got some Mile marker hubs in and never had an issue.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
There is absolutely no reason that you can't leave the hubs locked in at highway speeds, mechanically. There is increased drag, and turning means wearing, but that's it. There are plenty of 4WD's on the road that has the fronta axle turning all the time- late model Rangers, Jeeps, Chevrolets, Dodge trucks, Toyota Landcruisers, etc.
Driving with your hubs locked in is the same as the rear axle turning. The only no-no is engaging the transfercase on dry, hard surface.
You will (most likely) do damage if your rear tires are spinning, you've engaged 4WD, and the auto hub delays and suddenly engages. Locked hubs is the better alternative.
Driving with your hubs locked in is the same as the rear axle turning. The only no-no is engaging the transfercase on dry, hard surface.
You will (most likely) do damage if your rear tires are spinning, you've engaged 4WD, and the auto hub delays and suddenly engages. Locked hubs is the better alternative.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 946
Likes: 99
I use the manual locking feature of the auto hubs , lock them and forget them .
Absolutely no ill effects..
My old ranger, 94 , I converted.the hubs first thing.
Then swapped out the electric transfer case crap, for a manual.
I don't think I ever unlocked those hubs much in 10 years , and 568,000 miles.
I rebuilt the front end , all new u joints, ball joints etc,,,at 300.000 miles.
Never had anything go wrong.
Absolutely no ill effects..
My old ranger, 94 , I converted.the hubs first thing.
Then swapped out the electric transfer case crap, for a manual.
I don't think I ever unlocked those hubs much in 10 years , and 568,000 miles.
I rebuilt the front end , all new u joints, ball joints etc,,,at 300.000 miles.
Never had anything go wrong.
Beer Fridge Finder
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 14,988
Likes: 1,151
From: Savannah, GA
I got sick of my factory hubs, so went to Warn. I don't have any problems leaving them locked... and it's honestly not that big of a deal to get out and lock em in. I do it in the garage before I leave if I think I'll need 4x4 that day.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html
Thread Starter
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Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 16,196
Likes: 398
From: Odessa, Delaware
I got sick of my factory hubs, so went to Warn. I don't have any problems leaving them locked... and it's honestly not that big of a deal to get out and lock em in. I do it in the garage before I leave if I think I'll need 4x4 that day.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...onversion.html
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