something wrong w/ front hubs
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something wrong w/ front hubs
my '01 ex has the shift on the fly 4x4 setup. The front hubs only have a dot and not any "auto or free" markings. They don't lock up if I shift to 4x4. Anyone got any ideas?
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Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Wyandotte, Michigan
Probably like mine. Some one at one point changed mine from auto/lock to free/lock. When I need the 4x4 I have to get out and lock my hubs beings they don't automatically engage. It stinks.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
I believe if you rotate the **** CLOCKWISE they will lock.
This is a common problem, and there are a few different things that can go wrong.
If you'd like to fix it yourself, I can go through them if you like.
The first major one is, check for breaks in the vacuum hoses going to the hubs. On my 2001 (which I put Warns on almost 2 years ago), the hoses were starting to fall apart when I was under there a few months ago. I have since removed them
This is a common problem, and there are a few different things that can go wrong.
If you'd like to fix it yourself, I can go through them if you like.
The first major one is, check for breaks in the vacuum hoses going to the hubs. On my 2001 (which I put Warns on almost 2 years ago), the hoses were starting to fall apart when I was under there a few months ago. I have since removed them
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Well, i removed one hub. I can just about make out where it DID read "locked / auto". I disassembled it and there is a lot of rust behind the ****. It doesn't look like cleaning it up will fix things.
I broke the tabs off the **** removing it. The plastic parts inside seem kind of cheap. I can't figure out how this thing is activated via vacuum in the "auto" mode.
I think I will replace both hubs with Mile Marker manual hubs. I had Manual hubs on my 84 Bronco II and didn't mind getting out to lock them. Thanks for the advice. I am still curious though, how the vacuum lines lock the factory hubs?
My local dealer wants $277.00 each for manual hubs. I found the MM units on ebay for $150 for the pair.
I broke the tabs off the **** removing it. The plastic parts inside seem kind of cheap. I can't figure out how this thing is activated via vacuum in the "auto" mode.
I think I will replace both hubs with Mile Marker manual hubs. I had Manual hubs on my 84 Bronco II and didn't mind getting out to lock them. Thanks for the advice. I am still curious though, how the vacuum lines lock the factory hubs?
My local dealer wants $277.00 each for manual hubs. I found the MM units on ebay for $150 for the pair.
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From: Long Island USA
The white plastic part in there is a "piston" - apply vacuum from the back of the hub, that piston moves, engages, and locks the hubs. Apply vacuum again, it disengages.
While you're in there, make sure the needle bearings the axles ride in are good. With BOTH hubs off, rotate the u-joint by hand. The other side should rotate the opposite direction, but SMOOTHLY. If it doesn't rotate easily, or "crunches" as it moves, we have some more diagnostics to do.
Mile Marker, are, according to many here, a good product. I used the Warn Premiums, but I didn't know about the MM's at the time.
Let us know how it goes!!!
While you're in there, make sure the needle bearings the axles ride in are good. With BOTH hubs off, rotate the u-joint by hand. The other side should rotate the opposite direction, but SMOOTHLY. If it doesn't rotate easily, or "crunches" as it moves, we have some more diagnostics to do.
Mile Marker, are, according to many here, a good product. I used the Warn Premiums, but I didn't know about the MM's at the time.
Let us know how it goes!!!
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
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From: WARRINGTON, PA
my hubs dont even turn. they are not supposed to. they are strictly auto. no writing on the hubs. they are starting to go bad. when i first start the truck in the morning, and take off without letting it run for a minute, i hear the l/f rumbeling for about 6 feet until the truck builds vacuum and holds the hub unlocked. never does it any other time. warn premiums coming soon.
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ford-ex:
Common problem with those lockouts. You are wise in concidering manual lockouts. You are right, that it really is not too difficult to get out and lock in the hubs. This is actually part of my ritual, as I air down as well. I have not figured out to do that from the cab. If you get a chance to compare the Warns against the Mile Markers, I think you will decide on the Warns.
As long as you are thinking about upgrades, you may look at the Dynatrac free spin kit. It may seem like a bunch, but in the long run, it is worth every dime.
Common problem with those lockouts. You are wise in concidering manual lockouts. You are right, that it really is not too difficult to get out and lock in the hubs. This is actually part of my ritual, as I air down as well. I have not figured out to do that from the cab. If you get a chance to compare the Warns against the Mile Markers, I think you will decide on the Warns.
As long as you are thinking about upgrades, you may look at the Dynatrac free spin kit. It may seem like a bunch, but in the long run, it is worth every dime.
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75F350:
I checked a review of the Warn vs. Mile Marker hubs before I ordered anything. (I had a '84 Bronco II w/ factory manuals for 10 years w/ no problems so I never checked into after-markets before) Anyway, the comparison seemed very thorough an non-biased. Iopted for the MM's because of the all-steel construction vs. the Warn Aluminum units. I use 4x4 very rarely but my experience w/ boating around salt water tends to shy me awat from "dissimilar metals". The MM's are Stainless exterior. (Hey, I had to base it on something). I've got the V-10 in the "X" so I went for what seemed like it would be toughest under the heaviest load (like trying to pull a "stuck" 7,000 lb trailer up a launch ramp)
I'll post again after I install them i a couple of days.
I checked a review of the Warn vs. Mile Marker hubs before I ordered anything. (I had a '84 Bronco II w/ factory manuals for 10 years w/ no problems so I never checked into after-markets before) Anyway, the comparison seemed very thorough an non-biased. Iopted for the MM's because of the all-steel construction vs. the Warn Aluminum units. I use 4x4 very rarely but my experience w/ boating around salt water tends to shy me awat from "dissimilar metals". The MM's are Stainless exterior. (Hey, I had to base it on something). I've got the V-10 in the "X" so I went for what seemed like it would be toughest under the heaviest load (like trying to pull a "stuck" 7,000 lb trailer up a launch ramp)
I'll post again after I install them i a couple of days.
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From: Long Island USA
Just to be fair, the Warns are probably just as strong as the MM's internally.
The only thing that's aluminum is the outside cover.
Compared to the stock hubs, the Warns are bullet-proof.
So much so, that someone actually offers "fuses" for the Warns. They are a ring that will break when put under too much pressure, so that you don't break an axle.
The only thing that's aluminum is the outside cover.
Compared to the stock hubs, the Warns are bullet-proof.
So much so, that someone actually offers "fuses" for the Warns. They are a ring that will break when put under too much pressure, so that you don't break an axle.
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The Warns are probably great units. But my Mile Marker ones arrived today. I read in another thread, before I bought them, that another Ex owner switched to them (the model 449SS units) and I followed his recommensdation. The instructions say that a hub conversion kit is required to work on my 01' Ex. Have any of you ever installed these before? Do you know about this conversion kit? I can't find out much in my searches. ( I wish I knew about this when I ordered them)
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Milwauke WI
Originally Posted by RACERX7775
my hubs dont even turn. they are not supposed to. they are strictly auto. no writing on the hubs. they are starting to go bad. when i first start the truck in the morning, and take off without letting it run for a minute, i hear the l/f rumbeling for about 6 feet until the truck builds vacuum and holds the hub unlocked. never does it any other time. warn premiums coming soon.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,620
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From: WARRINGTON, PA
nope, try again, went to the dealer and pulled them up on the parts computer using my vin. they are auto only. they are not to be turned at all. but thanks for the reply. i am going for the manual hubs before the winter.