Auto 4X4 Operation Question?
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Auto 4X4 Operation Question?
Is anyone out there familiar with the auto version of the 2004 f150 4WD system? I had the front end of my rig jacked up yesterday and noticed that the front axles spin when the wheels are rotated. I am wondering if this is a normal condition. The previous systems that I am familiar with have hubs that de-couple the wheels from the axles when in 2WD mode.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Tim
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Tim
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From: P.G. VA
The best I can tell is this is how these systems work today. Pull the front tire of any late model pick-up and you'll see that the hub is just like a front wheel drive car, the axle runs through the hub with a nut on it. There is no more locking hubs like you are use to. One can only assume that the locking takes place within the axle housing.
Someone correct me if this is incorrect please!! I am just assuming this based on what I see. I don't want to give anyone false info.
Someone correct me if this is incorrect please!! I am just assuming this based on what I see. I don't want to give anyone false info.
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From: Marion, VA
I'm glad I don't have locking hubs any more. They were a problem. The automatic locking hubs would sometimes refuse to lock properly in very very cold weather and the manual hubs would be difficult to lock and unlock due to crud and corrosion. (and lack of frequent use).
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I just got off the phone with my local Ford dealer's service department. The service advisor confirmed the axles are fastened to the wheels without the traditional hub. The 4X4 engagement takes place with in the transfer case. It would seem this systems adds a great deal more drag and compromises already poor gas mileage. I do alot of stop and go driving and even with a light throttle foot I only get 11-12 mpg.
Tim
Tim
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Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Marple Township, PA
The front hubs are unlocked using vacuum, so the engine must be running for the front end to freewheel. That's why everything will rotate with the front end jacked in the air and you spin the wheel. Lose the vacuum (either by going to 4WD or a leak) and the hubs are engaged.
Check out this link (originally provided by Racerguy) to read how the system works (it actually is designed to save gas):
http://www.warn.com/corporate/WARN.I...heel.End.shtml
Check out this link (originally provided by Racerguy) to read how the system works (it actually is designed to save gas):
http://www.warn.com/corporate/WARN.I...heel.End.shtml
Last edited by DonsFx4; Jul 12, 2005 at 01:02 PM.
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Originally Posted by tstaffor
I just got off the phone with my local Ford dealer's service department. The service advisor confirmed the axles are fastened to the wheels without the traditional hub. The 4X4 engagement takes place with in the transfer case. It would seem this systems adds a great deal more drag and compromises already poor gas mileage. I do alot of stop and go driving and even with a light throttle foot I only get 11-12 mpg.
Tim
Tim
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