I have a 2003 SUperDuty 4x4 5.4L 4.73 Ex-Cab Auto.

I live in the Northeast. I want to be able to lock those hubs in November and leave them that way until February. The problem is I have noticed a little binding with just the hubs locked without being in four wheel drive. I have noticed the binding at slow parking lot speed with a fairly sharp turn mostly.

Is this something I need to be concerned about?

thanks

Tom

 

I lock mine in on the first snow, and don't unlock them until march 31st. Two years now with this truck,with no problems, and never any problems with previous trucks.

 

i do the same with mine, have had no problems so far. be advised though a new lowpoint in fuel nonefficiancy is soon yo be reached. this little trick kicks me for around two miles a gallon, but it sure makes getting where im going a heck of alot easier.

 

that binding is normal for trucks with u-joints on the front axle, when you lock the hubs in every thing on the front axle spins whether the transfer case is in 4wd or not; The binding when you turn sharp is from the two halves of the u-joint rubbing together as it rotates around. you'll notice it more on a hard surface than a loose one because the tires can't slip when the u-joint binds. There isn't much you can do to stop it ,except unlock the hubs if you need to turn really sharp, or don't turn the wheels that sharp. The only thing you want to try to avoid is mashing on the gas in 4wd when the u-joint is binding because it could damage the u-joint if done alot.

 

Ok Fordman, I finally got it. I will just take it easy when the hubs are locked on the tight turns in 4 wheel and not in 4 wheel.

I appreciate the feedback.

Tom

 

I usually leave the hubs unlocked unless I expect bad conditions on my drive. Less wear and tear and a bit better mileage when unlocked.

If I do expect bad conditions I will lock the hubs and keep it in 2WD until I need 4WD. Then if I need 4x4 I slow to below 35mph and usually I put it in neutral and coast and slide it into 4x4, then put it back in drive. Seems to be less shock on the drive train and easier to engage this way.

Even in good driving conditions you should lock the hubs and drive in 2WD for 10 or 20 miles every few months just to get the fluids circulated. Note that locked hubs will cause more rumble and noise while driving even in 2WD.

As far as binding, I haven't noticed, but would guess there is extra resistance due to the extra moving parts.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

 

I'm a newbie 2003 SD owner. Why can't I just leave them on auto and shift into 4x4 when needed? The manual really doesn't get into the hub explanation.

 

Squeaky, with ESOF that IS what your suppose to do, but with manual hubs and manual transfer case, you don't have the auto option, you have to manualy lock and unlock the hubs.

 

I have the ESOF on my 1999 7.3 64000miles, I was told I should regrease the hubs, is that a big job? and is there a post on how to do that?
THANKS DON