4WD Newbie Help
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New User
Joined: Apr 2021
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4WD Newbie Help
Had a Chevy 4WD for a number of years. Finally saw saw light and got a F250 4WD. The Chevy had nothing but the electronic switch on the dash. The F250 has the switch and the manual locks on the hub. I am a little confused as to how you are to operate the 4WD. A simple explanation for dummies would be appreciated
Thanks
Steve
Thanks
Steve
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,638
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Not exactly, as long as the vacuum system is working you shouldn't need to manually lock the hubs. If the selector switch in the cab stops working then you wont be able to switch into 4wd.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 65
Likes: 25
I’m not sure this is totally correct….if the vacuum system fails then you can manually lock the hubs to engage 4WD. The selector switch on the dash is just the the “slick” (ie lazy) way to engage 4WD, but you could manually lock the hubs each and every time you wanted to use 4WD if you were so inclined to do so.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,638
Likes: 2,433
I’m not sure this is totally correct….if the vacuum system fails then you can manually lock the hubs to engage 4WD. The selector switch on the dash is just the the “slick” (ie lazy) way to engage 4WD, but you could manually lock the hubs each and every time you wanted to use 4WD if you were so inclined to do so.
The vacuum system and the switch have two different functions.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
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From: Ridgway, CO
Funny how something so simple gets so complicated...
To the OP, you do not have to touch the hubs unless part of the system fails.
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2021
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If I am off the road say hunting in the woods I normally lock the hubs when I start out. Then I use the switch to engage and disengage 4wd. When back to normal roads I unlock them and just use the switch to engage and disengage 4wd.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 8,638
Likes: 2,433
I'm not confused on how that works. You might want to address the previous posts where the confusion seems be, since apparently my replies weren't clear enough.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
I wasn't singling you out for sure, several of us contributed to the confusion I think. I just found it funny how we all were trying to give the right advice but it came out kind of confusing....
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 65
Likes: 25
Ok, yes, I’m on the same page now. You’re correct.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 388
Likes: 231
Ok…. So now I need to be clear because it’s been a LONG time since I’ve messed with manual locking hubs.
It sounds like the switch will lock them in, but using an electrical / vacuum system. OR, you can mechanically lock them in using the hubs for a more robust connection? … but either way the switch is what activates 4WD / power to the front axle. Right???
It sounds like the switch will lock them in, but using an electrical / vacuum system. OR, you can mechanically lock them in using the hubs for a more robust connection? … but either way the switch is what activates 4WD / power to the front axle. Right???
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 2,969
Likes: 2,407
From: Ridgway, CO
Ok…. So now I need to be clear because it’s been a LONG time since I’ve messed with manual locking hubs.
It sounds like the switch will lock them in, but using an electrical / vacuum system. OR, you can mechanically lock them in using the hubs for a more robust connection? … but either way the switch is what activates 4WD / power to the front axle. Right???
It sounds like the switch will lock them in, but using an electrical / vacuum system. OR, you can mechanically lock them in using the hubs for a more robust connection? … but either way the switch is what activates 4WD / power to the front axle. Right???