4x4 usage
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 7
From: Montana
4x4 usage
Not sure if this has been addressed or not.
When using 4x4, is it recommended to lock in the hubs when on long term slick road conditions, or is using the auto ok? I haven't engaged my hubs once yet when we have snow accumulation around here and on the highway, I just turn the **** and go.
IIRC, it was recommended in my 99 to lock the hubs in for long term use of 4x4.
I just want to make sure I don't damage anything. I looked in the book and it was not real clear.
When using 4x4, is it recommended to lock in the hubs when on long term slick road conditions, or is using the auto ok? I haven't engaged my hubs once yet when we have snow accumulation around here and on the highway, I just turn the **** and go.
IIRC, it was recommended in my 99 to lock the hubs in for long term use of 4x4.
I just want to make sure I don't damage anything. I looked in the book and it was not real clear.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
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From: Frederick, MD
You don't need to lock them in.
However as a preventative measure at least once a month (if you have not been using the 4x4) I would manually turn the hubs and drive it a few miles to exercise and lube the component.
Locking in the transfer case is not needed.
However as a preventative measure at least once a month (if you have not been using the 4x4) I would manually turn the hubs and drive it a few miles to exercise and lube the component.
Locking in the transfer case is not needed.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,046
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From: northern ontario
My 2014 plow truck was having a hard time staying engaged after you back out of a snow bank had the dealer look into it and there was nothing wrong with the system. I now just put it in lock before i plow
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
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From: Frederick, MD
The ESOF has been known not to lock in when it gets cold out. Use manual locking of the hubs when cold out is good.
then you just need to turn the **** and engage the transfer case.
then you just need to turn the **** and engage the transfer case.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
Bronc71 and Senix are correct. 4x4 operation is the same whether you manually lock the hubs or leave them in auto mode. (Open front differential either way).
Never doing anything and just using the dashboard **** is the preferred and normal method.
The reason the "manual lock" selection is there is because Ford auto hubs sometimes fail to lock or unlock. The "Lock" mode guarantees you 4x4 if the vacuum system breaks.
Never doing anything and just using the dashboard **** is the preferred and normal method.
The reason the "manual lock" selection is there is because Ford auto hubs sometimes fail to lock or unlock. The "Lock" mode guarantees you 4x4 if the vacuum system breaks.
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Cargo Master
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From: Montana
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
I had my auto hubs fail in my '08 KR. The dealer had left a vacuum line disconnected after changing my radiator. The manual lock saved me in snow storm.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
Yeah, I like the fact that there still is the manual override. It is functional and it looks cool to have locking hubs still. Of course, it isn't perfect because a hub can also fail to "unlock" when you switch back to 2WD and there is no "free" position on the manual hub control to fix that.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 610
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From: Witness Protection Progam
I have used 4x4... In and out several times from a stone cold position several times this winter.... Once or twice it was about -22F with no issues. Very Satisfied. Actually, I'm very satisfied the with the whole truck! Knocking on wood now!!!
The Limited Slip Rear is excellent in comparison to my 2005 Cummins Dodge. You can actually see the results in the snow tracks. A little off subject but, you have no complaints from me. 
The Limited Slip Rear is excellent in comparison to my 2005 Cummins Dodge. You can actually see the results in the snow tracks. A little off subject but, you have no complaints from me.
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 10,118
Likes: 650
From: NH
For the 4x4 system to perform properly at -222F, I'm very impressed! Good to hear from you, HouseMouse. Glad your truck is working well for you. I'm also happier with the limited slip rear end than I thought I would be.
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,046
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From: northern ontario
I still have not put any weight in the back yet and probably wont for this year
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 2
From: northern ontario
I have used 4x4... In and out several times from a stone cold position several times this winter.... Once or twice it was about -22F with no issues. Very Satisfied. Actually, I'm very satisfied the with the whole truck! Knocking on wood now!!! The Limited Slip Rear is excellent in comparison to my 2005 Cummins Dodge. You can actually see the results in the snow tracks. A little off subject but, you have no complaints from me.
The Limited Slip Rear is excellent in comparison to my 2005 Cummins Dodge. You can actually see the results in the snow tracks. A little off subject but, you have no complaints from me.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 610
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From: Witness Protection Progam
Yes, I too, will not have to load the back with Pine Logs just to get up the drive any longer. Love this truck. Driver-Cockpit friendly.