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Finally just had my window sticker become available on my F 350 special order. I searched a little and couldn't find the answer...sticker has "manual locking hubs" listed. How do the the front hubs work on these trucks when switching to 4 wheel, do I have the coveted option of using 4 wheel low with the front hubs unlocked and freed up for sharper turning?
Historically, you are never to use four wheel drive with the front hubs unlocked, I have no reason to believe that this has changed any. If you were to engage four wheel drive with the front hubs unlocked the amount of torque will damage driveline components, that is Ford's warning...what I do is this time of year lock my hubs when I install my snow tires and then at the end of April when I remove my snow tires I unlock them. This works for me because my four-wheeling is limited to driving in snow. If you were going to off-road or similar you'd want to always be sure to have locked your front hubs before you need them. I have never used four wheel drive with them unlocked as Ford's precautionary statement seems to suggest dire consequences if ignored.
Spleeft, for 2018 Electronic Shift on the Fly (ESOF) became standard on 4x4 models. You can still "option" for manual shift on stop at no cost if you desire. However, unless you specifically order that system which includes a manual shifter on the floor for the transfer case, you will be getting the ESOF system with a **** on the dash to switch between 2H, 4H, and 4L.
The "manual hubs" portion has always been part of the "standard equipment" of an XLT. But since I don't see the option for manual transfer case shifter, you'll be getting the ESOF which does not allow you to use low range while in 2WD. However, note several users have found ways to do an easy mod to allow this with the ESOF system.
Your hubs will be auto-locking but you can still manually "lock" them at the wheel if you choose. The purpose is so you can still have 4x4 if the auto hubs ever fail.
troverman...thanks for your clarification, I have always had 'shift on the stop' with manual locking hubs and answered accordingly, it did not occur to me that the dash-mounted Shift On The Fly is what he had...
My understanding of how the hub locks work on these is that in AUTO when you are in 2wd the hubs are disengaged (as expected), but will auto engage when you go into 4wd (and presumably 4 wheel low).
The only thing locked really does for you is provide a mechanical guarantee that your fronts engage when you hit 4wd with the trade off being that you are locked and it will bind a little on turns.
So no, I don't believe you'd turn any better in 4 low because your hubs will auto-engage.
Thats just based on what I was able to turn up when I tried to look it up. I don't know how bad the binding is on a 350.
TireFryer426...I am speaking from my experience with a 2004 manual transmission (if it matters to this conversation), manual transfer case and manual locking hubs, in 2H [two-wheel drive] with the front hubs locked I have never experienced binding, even when new...in four wheel drive, on the other hand, yes, binding can be experienced in certain situations.
troverman...thanks for your clarification, I have always had 'shift on the stop' with manual locking hubs and answered accordingly, it did not occur to me that the dash-mounted Shift On The Fly is what he had...
No problem. Keep in mind you aren't going to damage things as much as you think. Basically, Ford's 4x4 system disconnects in two places: at the wheel hubs, and at the transfer case. If either the hubs are unlocked or the transfer case is not in 4x4...you are not powering your front wheels.
If your hubs are left engaged, but your transfer case is in 2H (and this is possible with the ESOF or manual 4x4 system)...then your front axle joint, front axle, front differential, and front driveshaft spin at all times. However, the wheels are not powered because the transfer case is completely disconnected. All those parts are spinning simply because your front wheels are rolling down the road. This causes extra drag, which reduces fuel economy...along with some extra wear on those parts.
Likewise, if your hubs are unlocked but your transfer case is in 4x4 (possible from the factory with the manual system and possible with mods made to the ESOF system) then once again your front axle joints, front axle shafts, front differential, and front driveshaft will be spinning at all times but the front wheels will not be powered because the hubs are disconnected.
So we see there really are two ways of doing the same exact thing. If no damage is caused by leaving your hubs locked all winter, why would damage be caused by leaving your hubs unlocked but your transfer case in 4x4 all year? Well, it really wouldn't. There would be some extra inertia on the front output of the transfer case which could cause wearing of the chain and sprockets over time, but most people want the 4L, 2WD mode for having the extra torque to move a trailer around with ease in a parking lot but without the steering binding of having the front wheels engaged. This is harmless behavior.
My understanding of how the hub locks work on these is that in AUTO when you are in 2wd the hubs are disengaged (as expected), but will auto engage when you go into 4wd (and presumably 4 wheel low).
The only thing locked really does for you is provide a mechanical guarantee that your fronts engage when you hit 4wd with the trade off being that you are locked and it will bind a little on turns.
So no, I don't believe you'd turn any better in 4 low because your hubs will auto-engage.
Thats just based on what I was able to turn up when I tried to look it up. I don't know how bad the binding is on a 350.
Your first sentence is correct. 2011-current models feel a very slight binding on full-lock turns because Ford allows a little more steering angle than the axle joints can (smoothly) handle. Over a long period of time, I would expect wear on these axle joints. The binding is very slight and only noticeable at full lock. Nothing like being in 4x4. As for turning better in 4x4 low, it would turn exactly the same as 4x4 high...poorly, with plenty of binding. But what he means is with a full manual system, keeping the front hubs unlocked while putting the transfer case in 4-low. Then he would turn as easily as 2H. However, with the ESOF system I believe he has, he won't be able to do that without a little modification. There is no difference in binding between a 250 or 350. Same axle joints.
Originally Posted by delorenzomp
TireFryer426...I am speaking from my experience with a 2004 manual transmission (if it matters to this conversation), manual transfer case and manual locking hubs, in 2H [two-wheel drive] with the front hubs locked I have never experienced binding, even when new...in four wheel drive, on the other hand, yes, binding can be experienced in certain situations.
2004 model might be slightly different...you might have the Dana 50 front axle instead of the 60 (I can't remember when Ford switched) and you definitely have different front axle joints.
the ESOF which does not allow you to use low range while in 2WD. However, note several users have found ways to do an easy mod to allow this with the ESOF system.
.
Although process is identical - here are the threads for the mod:
I’m no mechanic and have never dismantled a Super Duty front axle but... it’s my understanding the reason Ford continues to include manual locking hubs is that the front hubs do not lock as soon as you turn the Dash switch, as the axles engage on the splinded shaft when the front wheel rotates. Therefor if you are stuck with the rear wheels spinning your front tires are not rotating and will
not engage ( yes the transfer case is engaged but the wheels are not). The manual axle switch physically engages the wheel without rotation. Any one confirm this?
I’m no mechanic and have never dismantled a Super Duty front axle but... it’s my understanding the reason Ford continues to include manual locking hubs is that the front hubs do not lock as soon as you turn the Dash switch, as the axles engage on the splinded shaft when the front wheel rotates. Therefor if you are stuck with the rear wheels spinning your front tires are not rotating and will
not engage ( yes the transfer case is engaged but the wheels are not). The manual axle switch physically engages the wheel without rotation. Any one confirm this?
I honestly don't know for sure, but I thought the hubs were run off vacuum and would lock whether the wheel was moving or not? I guess its easy enough to go find out for sure...
I honestly don't know for sure, but I thought the hubs were run off vacuum and would lock whether the wheel was moving or not? I guess its easy enough to go find out for sure...
The vacuum may initiate the engagement but the gears still need motion from the wheel to fully engage with the axles. The axle engagement can not mesh without motion from the wheel unless the vehicle is stopped and manual rotation of the axle switch. Imagine a manual transmission, changing gears driving without using the clutch. No problem when the engine is off but not so good with it running.
