The front driveshaft of my 06 f-150 seems to be locked like its in 4x4 , is this normal? Should you be able to rotate the driveshaft when the selector switch is in 2HI? Or am i just nuts? I hear the hubs lock and unlock when you rotate the switch but the drive shaft won't turn and the drivers side wheel seems to stay slightly engaged?

 

Well the locking hubs disappeared on the F-150 in 97’ what your hearing is most likely the transfer case. I’d expect you’d be able to rotate it by hand, the locking fork on the front dif may be sticking. I’ll get under my truck tomorrow and check it out.

 

I thought the f-150 had vacuum hubs? thats what i have been told.also where is the locking fork at?

 

Hmmm I’m still learning this new model, you could be entirely correct.

 

I think we've got what they call a live axle. This means that the transfer case an axle are moving went the truck is but the tires arent locked. Once you turn that switch to 4x4 the hubs lock in an thats your 4WD. Im pretty sure thats whats going on.

 

Ok, after consulting my manuals, I incorrectly assumed it still used the same locking system as my 01. I just climbed under my truck and my front axel was locked while set in 2wd. I know in the Bronco it would rotate freely in 2wd.

 

OK well thanks screwy. That puts my mind at ease knowing its not broken.

 

Ok, well I figured it all out. The transfer case works like a traditional one (2Hi, 4Hi, 4Lo). The Vacuum hubs (IWE) with no vacuum engage the axel, so when the truck is off the axel engages. I just checked it, truck off in 2wd the driveshaft was locked, truck running in 2wd the driveshaft was free.

 

You got it.

 

just curious but whats a IWE?

 

Integrated Wheel End
http://www.warn.com/powertrain/image...IWE%202006.PDF

 

screwy....you are correct. Also they did away with the "fork" on the new body style 04. Our hubs really on constant vacumn to stay in 2wd. The Superduty however, needs vacumn to lock the hubs into 4wd. There seems to be a common issue with water getting into the IWE solenoid and shorting it out. Thats why a lot of guys here say they hear noises in the hubs in front.