I have a question about the locking hubs on my 97 f350. I was working on the brakes today and noticed that there is a lot of play in the locking hubs. I pulled the locking mechanisms out and they have the same play on both sides. It is in the two inner gears on the mechanism. They allow a fair amount of rotational play when locked in, more than I think is right. My question is is this normal? I was chasing down a growling from the front end when the hubs were locked in before i wrecked it a few years ago, and i feel like this might be it.

 

Nobody ever have this issue?

 

These are stock hubs? Do they look like Warn standards?

 

They are dealer installed manual hubs. My dad had them install them to replace the auto hubs when he bought the truck in 97. They dont look like warn standards. They are 3 bolt with no markings. I will have to take a picture of them when tomorrow.

 

Heres what they look like.

 

Those are what I have on mine. I just had them apart for ball joints last month. I do not remember them having any slop

 

With the hubs locked, I can move either side about the width between the brake rotor vents before the axle shaft turns.

 

I'll go check mine.

 

Ok. I just jacked it up and checked it. With the hub locked there was some rotation before the axle shaft moved. I still had the tire on so measuring by a rotor vent was a little tough. It seemed to be about that distance. Maybe a little less. I just serviced the front end so it should be good and I haven't noticed any odd sounds.
Have you checked the axle joints?

 

I am just finishing up a full front end rebuild with new u joints, ball joints, tie rod end, seals, calipers and hoses. I am hoping the sound will be gone now. That just seemed like more play than what would be normal, but I guess there needs to be some for the gears to slide in a and to lock and unlock the hubs.