When trying to pull my boat out of the back of my property, the ground was wet, so I needed to usee 4 wheel drive. As I was trying to pull, the right front hub made a clicking noise and I lost four wheel drive. Took the truck to the Ford dealer and got the hub fixed. I took the truck back down to pull the boat out out, tires lost traction, then the left front hub broke! 4x4 is push button automatic. I had been using 4 low. Why do these hub assemblies keep breaking. This is not my first 4x4 (my first Ford though). I have never seen a truck break this easy before. Are the front hubs that delicate, I was not rough with it. I would appreciate any info you all might be able to give me.

 

Bill,
Using 4 wheel low produces lots of torque . Its designed to haul the truck up steep inclines , places that require slow & steady movement . 4 wheel high should be adequate in most situations . I have a 90 F150 4x4 with stock hubs and have never had any trouble w them . Im sure Warn or other makers of hubs make a stronger version .I know they arent the most popular , but I still prefer manual locking hubs .

 

Paul,

Thanks for responding. I used the 4 low because of the slick conditions and pulling up a slight incline. I only needed to pull the boat about 150'. I don't use the 4 wheel drive much, just snow, truck is too nice looking to take off road. I got the muddin out of my system a long time ago. It just suprised me that the hubs broke so easy. Thanks again.

Bill

 

Bill,
those 3 bolt automatic hubs used on the pushbutton system are not very good. I have a 95 F150 4X4 and I replaced BOTH auto hubs before 60K miles. If you really want dependable 4x4, get a set of WARN manual hubs for about $100.
You can get these through your local NAPA store under NAPA p/n 745-3111 which is WARN number 9790.
That will be the last set you will ever buy for the truck.
You will need to change the spindle locknuts to the manual variety when you convert.