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Old Mar 25, 2016 | 04:16 AM
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ESOF Problems

My son has a 2003 Super Duty with auto locks, but the front wheels won't lock even when turn to locked position. Also when it's in two wheel drive the front drive shaft and axles still spin, are the hubs locked up or is it in the transfer case?
 
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Old Mar 25, 2016 | 04:45 AM
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Welcome to FTE Fordc15.

I moved your post to a new thread, so it would not be buried at the end of a 5 year old thread.

Try this. With the hubs in AUTO and the switch in 2WD, reach around behind a front tire and try to spin the U-joint. It should spin free, although you may feel some resistance.
 
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Old Mar 25, 2016 | 10:06 AM
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Also sounds to me like the hubs may need servicing.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 08:19 PM
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Thanks Redford and Senix for your repose, I'll give that a try. I'm pretty sure the hubs need attention sense I had to use pliers to turn them.
 
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Old Mar 26, 2016 | 08:31 PM
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check this link out for some help:


Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page
 
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by redford
Welcome to FTE Fordc15.

I moved your post to a new thread, so it would not be buried at the end of a 5 year old thread.

Try this. With the hubs in AUTO and the switch in 2WD, reach around behind a front tire and try to spin the U-joint. It should spin free, although you may feel some resistance.
Hi Redford,

I try turning the drive shaft like you said, but no luck it looks like its stuck in 4x4. If it's in constant 4x4 will that cause the hubs to strip by running on dry pavement? Is there anyway to disengage the transfer case manually?
 
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Old Mar 28, 2016 | 10:11 PM
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If the front hubs are locked, either failing to release or in the locked position the drive shaft will not spin, even if transfer case is in 2wd. You can jack up 1 or both front wheels and see if you can turn shaft, if it turns then transfer case is in 2wd and it is okay to drive on hard pavement, if it still won't turn then it is in 4X4 and you should not drive on hard surface roads. You can shift from 4X4 to 2wd by removing the shift motor on the t-case and turning the exposed shaft.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2016 | 05:08 AM
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jetjockey99 is correct. It sounds like you need to rebuild/repair/replace your hubs.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2016 | 10:45 AM
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Here are a few more:

Additional Hub Service write-up: 2004 F250 ESOF Hub Service

How to remove the hub ****:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post14810028

This is for the vacuum system that actuates the hubs: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post15890712
 
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Old Mar 29, 2016 | 04:55 PM
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I had similar issues a few years back on mine. Had to use pliers or channel locks to turn the hub because they wouldn't lock automatically.

I ordered Warn premium manual hubs. Install took about 10 minutes for both sides and I know with absolute certainty when they're locked or not. They have been great for several years now with no problems. I highly recommend switching out the stock hubs for Warn.
 
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Old Mar 29, 2016 | 08:15 PM
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Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll probably just replace the hubs.
 
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