Hubs question
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: USA
Maybe they existed, but I did not have them. The first three trucks I owned, beginning in1981, had hubs with two options: locked and free. And free is not the same as automatic.
That''s all I am saying.
That''s all I am saying.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,679
Likes: 4,787
From: Itinerant
Is it because you had a shifter on the floor and had to go out and lock the hubs to have 4 wheel drive. Whereas of now there is auto on the hubs with a **** on the dash for 4 wheel drive. No need to go out and lock the hubs unless the auto feature stops working.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: USA
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: USA
If the 250 hubs are in free, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, obviously the truck will not be in 4WD, because the hubs are not locked.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
Logistics Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,832
Likes: 668
From: Maine
The problem with owner's manuals these days, especially truck manuals, is that they apply to many other vehicles besides the one you bought.
With the amount of options and features available on each of six plus trim levels, it's hard to determine if what the manual says applies to your vehicle, "if equipped".
With the amount of options and features available on each of six plus trim levels, it's hard to determine if what the manual says applies to your vehicle, "if equipped".
If the 250 hubs are in free, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, obviously the truck will not be in 4WD, because the hubs are not locked.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
All hubs on the Ford pickups are either auto (vacuum) or lock (in case of vacuum failure) Anything else is aftermarket. Been that way since Ford came out with the Super Duty.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
If the 250 hubs are in free, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, obviously the truck will not be in 4WD, because the hubs are not locked.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
There is a very simple wiring modification one can make to their new trucks that keep the hubs from engaging when in Auto mode. Yes, my Auto/Lock truck is easily capable of 2WD-low range now.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
.....
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 87
Likes: 3
From: USA
Oh, brother.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,059
Likes: 426
From: Too close to Houston
If the 250 hubs are in free, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, obviously the truck will not be in 4WD, because the hubs are not locked.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
If the 350 hubs are in automatic, and I put the transfer case in 4WD, the truck will be in 4WD (providing the autolocking hubs work).
Therefore the free mode on my 250 is not the exact same as the automatic mode on my 350.
That's the only point I am trying to make.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,271
Likes: 229
From: Gulf Coast, FL
I'd give the "other" option to the 2wd mod (4wd mod/whatever it's called) is to use the ELD (electronic locking differential) that's found on the newer models. I can't tell you how many time I just hit the ELD and get the traction I needed. Way better in my mind than "needing" to mod a harness.
If you don't like the ESOF hubs/system then you do you. The aftermarket hubs are not any better than OEM since Warn makes the OEM hubs as well. Ever wonder why there's NOT a "better" ESOF style hub??
ESOF hubs need to have some movement to engage properly. If you are on of those types that get stuck THEN try to use ESOF you are not using the system properly. You will need to turn the ESOF hub to Lock when completely stuck, unable to move. IF you are a person that knows better, you use ESOF before getting stuck.
I played around plenty with the ESOF hubs on my 2006. I learned a lot, asked questions, in a way understand the ESOF operation.
Use what you want: Good old turn style Free/Lock hubs. ESOF Auto/Lock hubs. They do the same thing.
If you don't like the ESOF hubs/system then you do you. The aftermarket hubs are not any better than OEM since Warn makes the OEM hubs as well. Ever wonder why there's NOT a "better" ESOF style hub??
ESOF hubs need to have some movement to engage properly. If you are on of those types that get stuck THEN try to use ESOF you are not using the system properly. You will need to turn the ESOF hub to Lock when completely stuck, unable to move. IF you are a person that knows better, you use ESOF before getting stuck.
I played around plenty with the ESOF hubs on my 2006. I learned a lot, asked questions, in a way understand the ESOF operation.
Use what you want: Good old turn style Free/Lock hubs. ESOF Auto/Lock hubs. They do the same thing.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
I'd give the "other" option to the 2wd mod (4wd mod/whatever it's called) is to use the ELD (electronic locking differential) that's found on the newer models. I can't tell you how many time I just hit the ELD and get the traction I needed. Way better in my mind than "needing" to mod a harness.
And by “modding the harness”…it’s literally snipping one wire and hooking a relay or toggle switch inline. One butt connector and a piece of heat shrink and you’re back to factory.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,353
Likes: 4,388
From: SW VA
True, but like I said, it's not about traction. In fact, the 2-Low mod works best when there is an abundance of traction.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 1,409
Likes: 1,172
From: East TN
I back my RV and my heavy equipment trailer up my long driveway. The 2-Low mod makes it so much easier to maneuver them to their parking spots. Helps in rougher campgrounds too. Great mod if you move heavy stuff all the time.
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