I know I should get manual locking hubs, but I want to know if the auto hubs do not disengage the axle will still turn correct? To check this I should be able to jack up each front wheel and spin tire. If axle spins it is still engaged. Correct me if I'm wrong. thanks

 

Yep, that sure is how it's done.

 

I used to put a piece of masking tape on the drive shaft and drive a bit, If the tape moved I knew my auto hubs were engaging. I changed them out to Warns because the Auto Lockers Sux and never looked back !

 

I agree I thought I would hate having manuals but if you plan on wheeling lock them before you leave and hit the button when you want 4wd. from what I have read here and on the other FSB forum the only thing that will be hurt from driving with your hubs locked and the transfer case in 2wd is you might loose a bit of gas milage. I just lock my hubs before I leave the house and hit the button when i need 4wd. It has worked good for me and switching to manuals was about $600 cheaper than getting new autos.

 

The next step is to swap to a manual T-case and never have to worry about being able to lock in 4WD again. But that's just my take on it.