Auto vs. Locked
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Trailering
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 21
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Auto vs. Locked
OK. Here is kind of a dumb question. What is up with the "Auto" vs. "Locked" hubs on my '19 F-250? Do I need to run them in lock if I plan on using 4x4, or not? I am assuming that if they are in "Automatic" mode, the rear wheels will have to spin before the fronts engage, right?
Just bought the truck, and nothing but dry pavement for miles so I can't really play with it yet....but I want to know what works best. If I've got to drive in something where I know I'll need 4 wheel drive, I should go ahead and lock them out, right?
(I have gotten used to not having hub locks on my F-150, but I am good with manually locking them!)
Thanks!
The "new" guy. (eyeroll)
Just bought the truck, and nothing but dry pavement for miles so I can't really play with it yet....but I want to know what works best. If I've got to drive in something where I know I'll need 4 wheel drive, I should go ahead and lock them out, right?
(I have gotten used to not having hub locks on my F-150, but I am good with manually locking them!)
Thanks!
The "new" guy. (eyeroll)
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,424
Likes: 12
From: BC Canada
The manual states locking hubs is recommended for 4 Low, and it’s a backup to the hubs if the vacuum engagement isn’t working so you still have 4*4. I have yet to manually lock my hubs, but I do regularly use them just to ensure they are functioning when I need them. I use 4*4 a lot all winter and do some off-road as well.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
In auto, they are locked when selecting 4wd with the **** on the dash. The actuator is vacuum operated. And as stated above; there as a backup in case the vacuum actuators fail.
Operation is pretty seamless to the driver. Left in auto; simply turn the **** and wait for the "shift in process" notice to go out and the 4wd light come on. Reverse the process to switch back to 2wd.
I use 4wd on occasion; getting out of my driveway in the snow, climbing the hill that is the entrance to our development when towing in the rain. In 2wd i'll spin the rear tires on the polished asphalt. I really don't go offroad with it.
I do cycle the hubs occasionally, when I service or wash the truck, to keep them freed up. They can get stuck from lack of use.
Operation is pretty seamless to the driver. Left in auto; simply turn the **** and wait for the "shift in process" notice to go out and the 4wd light come on. Reverse the process to switch back to 2wd.
I use 4wd on occasion; getting out of my driveway in the snow, climbing the hill that is the entrance to our development when towing in the rain. In 2wd i'll spin the rear tires on the polished asphalt. I really don't go offroad with it.
I do cycle the hubs occasionally, when I service or wash the truck, to keep them freed up. They can get stuck from lack of use.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 787
Likes: 73
From: Lansing MI
I'm not sure why you would hear that. When the hub is locked, either manually or via the vacuum system, the splines on the axle will either engage with the splines on the hub, or they will not based on how things line up. As either the tire rotates, or the axle rotates, the splines will quickly line up and engage. It will be a lot less than a quarter turn (there are more than 4 splines), and it does not matter if the tire is turning, or the axle relative to each other.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,366
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From: Frederick, CO
The manual states locking hubs is recommended for 4 Low, and it’s a backup to the hubs if the vacuum engagement isn’t working so you still have 4*4. I have yet to manually lock my hubs, but I do regularly use them just to ensure they are functioning when I need them. I use 4*4 a lot all winter and do some off-road as well.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,101
Likes: 60
From: N. Illinois
This was the case back in the day when ford had ONLY automatic hubs without the twist dial. Hubs unlocked every time you went out of 4WD by driving a minimum of ten feet in the OPPOSITE direction you were going when the hubs were locked. Think back to the late 89’s and early 90’s.
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