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1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

4 wheel drive w/auto locking hubs & LSD

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Old Aug 13, 2001 | 06:45 AM
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4 wheel drive w/auto locking hubs & LSD

From reading another post (and responses) about how his 4X4 w/o locking hubs worked actually only further confused me about how my own truck functions.

I have a 90 4X4 5.8L e40d 3.55LSD with auto locking front hubs. Recently I was attempting to drive into a raised floor garage and in 2 wheel drive my rear tires dug two idential holes in the ground - the front wheels did nothing. I put the floor shift into 4 wheel hi, and the truck marched forward as you would expect it to do. To get into 4 lo you have to put the transmission in neutral, then push the floor shift to the left and down.

My questions are:

even in 2 wheel drive are my front drive shafts turning (with the hubs unlocked)?

When exactly are the front hubs automatically locked (and unlocked)?

I read many negative comments about auto locking hubs. Aren't there any of you out there that actually like the idea you don't have to physically get outside in order to get into 4 wheel mode?

Thanks guys,

Burt
 
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Old Aug 13, 2001 | 10:28 AM
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4 wheel drive w/auto locking hubs & LSD

Auto locking hubs seem to present more problems than the manual lockers . The front axles do not turn until you select 4 Hi or Low . When you do that you connect the transfer which turns the front axles . With auto locking hubs as soon as the axles turn the hubs lock to the axles ....thats the way its supposed to work . It seems a lot of times with auto lockers , esp as they age , you find that the locking mechanisms in the hubs dont always lock up . They seem to require more maintenance than the manual locks . When you go back to 2 Hi on the transfer case & back up the auto hubs unlock . I think most of us that are going to be using the 4wd just lock the hubs manually & when needed just engage the transfer case . The hubs remain locked , but the transfer case isnt supplying any power to the front axle .
 
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Old Aug 14, 2001 | 03:21 AM
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4 wheel drive w/auto locking hubs & LSD

I've actually heard in the newer trucks due to more advanced lubricants the front is always locked but the transfer case doesnt engage until you put it in gear?
 
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Old Aug 14, 2001 | 03:59 AM
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4 wheel drive w/auto locking hubs & LSD

I've actually heard in the newer trucks due to more advanced lubricants the front is always locked but the transfer case doesnt engage until you put it in gear?
Thanks

You know, that makes a lot of sense to me. To go into 4hi I simply engage the transfer case and all four wheels immediately start turning. To return to 2wd disengage and again you immediately have it. No backing up, no standing on your head. In fact, it's response is very nearly identical to my 98 Ford Expedition.

Going into 4lo however is a different story. Stop, put trans into neutral, pull shifter down, over and down.


 
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Old Aug 14, 2001 | 08:16 AM
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4 wheel drive w/auto locking hubs & LSD

 
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