Manual locking hubs?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 39
From: Boise
Super Duty vs F150 are not the same. The solid axle SD is always free spinning in 2wd if you truck has esof or manual hubs. The esof is a system that turns your hubs in for you so that you don't have to exit the cab. Dodge/Ram have a system that continuously turns the axle shafts. That is why there is an aftermarket kit for them to free up the axles.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
In the past the esof hubs could be turned in manually on the SD, in which case the axle shafts, differential and the front drive shaft would be turning at all times. On the GM system the front axle shafts are constant velocity joints and small solid shaft in the design of front wheel drive cars. They disengaged in the front pumpkin so the differential and drive shaft are not always turning. A compromise of sorts on the mass being turned when not in use.
The SD systems with the solid front axle and single universal joint shafts should be run a few miles every month. Otherwise the universal joint is moved by the steering and causes it to move in only one spot. If unused long enough the grease will not be distributed and the joint will fail prematurely. There are many stories of failed u-joints where the owner cried "I never used the four wheel drive."
The SD systems with the solid front axle and single universal joint shafts should be run a few miles every month. Otherwise the universal joint is moved by the steering and causes it to move in only one spot. If unused long enough the grease will not be distributed and the joint will fail prematurely. There are many stories of failed u-joints where the owner cried "I never used the four wheel drive."
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 214
Likes: 1
Now. How do you order the manual hubs when you getting shift on the fly? I did not see it anywhere.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Boise
That is a picture of ESOF, the shift on the fly has a manual over ride.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
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From: Milford, MI
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Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: NH
Yesterday I had to use 4x4 to pull my 10k trailer up a steep dirt road. What an annoyance to have to get out, go to each side and lock the hubs in, then remember to unlock them again later. I'll be very happy to have the ESOF again. On the other hand, the manual floor shifter has a nice, mechanical feel to it. Feels more manly then turning a ****.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2015
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So all SD with ESOF will have hubs with a manual / auto setting? That's the part I was missung. I thought I had seen some without the locking hubs.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
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From: NH
Keep in mind, these hubs are not quite a foolproof as the manual "free-lock" hubs on the manual shift 4x4 trucks. The ESOF hubs allow you to manually "lock" your hubs in, but do not allow you to unlock them. The truck has to do that with vacuum. So while you're not left without 4x4, you might be running around with hubs locked in, partially locked in, or only one locked in...despite being in auto mode...if there was ever a problem.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 39
From: Boise
Yesterday I had to use 4x4 to pull my 10k trailer up a steep dirt road. What an annoyance to have to get out, go to each side and lock the hubs in, then remember to unlock them again later. I'll be very happy to have the ESOF again. On the other hand, the manual floor shifter has a nice, mechanical feel to it. Feels more manly then turning a ****.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,336
Likes: 4
From: Western New York
Auto/manual hubs are great when they work correctly. Problems can be inadequate vacuum due to a seal leak at the axle or in the vacuum system caused by weak pump or leaking line. The spline shaft of the hub can become burred and then not shift correctly if one tries to engage the ESOF while under power and wheels slipping. I always take my foot off the fuel to engage, then add power, then back off a second time to ensure the hubs seat themselves. If possible I try to stop and backup at some point after disengaging the ESOF so the splines will fully disengage. The spring which disengages the hub is not very strong since it is designed to be overcome by the vacuum for engagement. For those in climates where the ESOF is used daily it might be worth taking the hubs off and ensuring their correct operation each fall. Treat them right and they give a tremendous convenience and service. Abuse them and the headaches start at the first snowflake. Most of us have had a hub disengage under power because it wasn't fully seated and then had the concern that it was torn up. Thankfully they are pretty tough.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,133
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From: NH
Being somewhat new to the E-Locker feature, I have found that function works very well for me when I need a little extra traction moving my toy hauler around or other towing situations. While it is easy to just flip the switch to 4x4, I always try the E-locker first and it works quite well for me.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 951
Likes: 7
From: So Cal
Tip : always take a look at your hubs and confirm there in the Correct Postion "Free" or "Auto" whether you have the full manual or the auto manual. Over the years I've had curious people turn one **** , maybe kids whatever but had mysteriously one **** turned more than once . so I recommend when you detail your truck, check the air in tires or check oil take a look at the hubs. If you notice you'll see people driving down the freeway turning all that extra gear in the front for no reason.