Manual front hubs? Why?
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 117
Likes: 2
Manual front hubs? Why?
Looks like my new F3 50 has manual locking front hubs, as well as the default auto position.
Why?
When would I ever lock the hubs manually rather than putting the whole truck into 4L or 4H mode from inside?
I’ve never had a 4 x 4 with manual hubs before. I always thought that you had manual locking hubs when there was no electronic locking. Simply doesn’t make sense to me.
Why?
When would I ever lock the hubs manually rather than putting the whole truck into 4L or 4H mode from inside?
I’ve never had a 4 x 4 with manual hubs before. I always thought that you had manual locking hubs when there was no electronic locking. Simply doesn’t make sense to me.
More Turbo
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 521
Likes: 43
I was actually disappointed when they announced they were doing away with the manual 4wd, and thus the full manual hubs.
I liked that you could put it in 2wd low, to help backing things up. Yes I know there is the 2lo mod, but that was just more simple
I liked that you could put it in 2wd low, to help backing things up. Yes I know there is the 2lo mod, but that was just more simple
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 6,676
Likes: 913
From: Milford, MI
It's a fail safe. Most failures that cause the 4wd to not engage regardless of the brand of truck are traced to the system disconnecting the wheels from the driveshaft. There is additional benefits from saving wear and tear on front axle parts by disconnecting right at the wheel as well. Just ask dodge owners about front axle u joints.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 371
Likes: 15
Backup
Your truck is an electronic shift on the fly 4X4 when the hubs are in Auto.
The automatic locking of the hubs is actuated by Vacuum.
If for whatever reason the vacuum system fails or the vacuum lines get damaged, you can still lock in the hubs manually by turning them to lock.
This gives you a fail-safe for getting the front axle engaged into 4 wheel drive.
Just put the hubs in Auto for normal driving.
I manually engage mine from time to time just to make sure they do not get stuck from long periods of inactivity.
You should check to make sure yours are in Auto. Sometimes they are not at time of delivery.
The automatic locking of the hubs is actuated by Vacuum.
If for whatever reason the vacuum system fails or the vacuum lines get damaged, you can still lock in the hubs manually by turning them to lock.
This gives you a fail-safe for getting the front axle engaged into 4 wheel drive.
Just put the hubs in Auto for normal driving.
I manually engage mine from time to time just to make sure they do not get stuck from long periods of inactivity.
You should check to make sure yours are in Auto. Sometimes they are not at time of delivery.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 513
This. It happens, often at the worst time.
Also you can lock them in once in a while without shifting the transfer case in to spin the front end for a few miles to make sure everything stays lubed. Especially if you haven't used 4wd in a while.
Also you can lock them in once in a while without shifting the transfer case in to spin the front end for a few miles to make sure everything stays lubed. Especially if you haven't used 4wd in a while.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 133
Likes: 3
There is also a horrendous delay with the damn SOF when you are in auto mode, if off road and need 4wd immediately it is good to keep them in "lock". Difference between getting stuck and not can be the 2-5 seconds it takes the dumb thing to lock into 4wd in auto mode.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,889
Likes: 779
From: SoCal/Wyoming
Many folks will lock them in at the start of winter and they stay locked until spring. I run Warn hubs on the 02 as I removed the lines and plugged that system long ago. When/if the hubs need to be replaced on the 19, I will probably go the same route as the 02. I don’t have that option on the 98.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,362
Likes: 250
A full manual system is more reliable than an electric system will ever be. The 4wd system is the main reason I switched to a SD, if your don't have 4wd with a full manual system you have a hard part broken. I was disappointed that Ford dropped the manual transfer case in 2020.
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 546
Likes: 30
From: VA- Shenandoah Valley
When I was a kid... you knew things were getting real when dad asked you to hop out and lock in the hubs. Wouldn't trade it.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
From: NW Iowa
Yep, did that to a '05 Dodge with a Cummins, I agree with you about dad asking you to hop out and locker in!
Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 110
Likes: 12
From: Summerville ,SC
i had a chevy blazer that had locking hubs fail while i was trying to get out of a snow bank.....something with the vacuum valve...
anyway i sure wish i had manual locking hubs then...and glad the 2020 f250 has them now just in case
anyway i sure wish i had manual locking hubs then...and glad the 2020 f250 has them now just in case