Full time hubs?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
I don't unlock mine very often. I've done 60 mph several times with my hubs locked in and the t case in 2wd. No big deal.
It slightly causes things to wear faster since the front driveshaft will be spinning, hubs are engaged, etc.... but it keeps the t case properly lubed, and when you get in a bind, all that's requried is a pull on a handle and your good to go. Instead of getting out in some mud and locking them in, then covering the floor with mud.
It wouldn't be advisable to do 70mph + every day a couple times a day, but 50 won't hurt anything.
It slightly causes things to wear faster since the front driveshaft will be spinning, hubs are engaged, etc.... but it keeps the t case properly lubed, and when you get in a bind, all that's requried is a pull on a handle and your good to go. Instead of getting out in some mud and locking them in, then covering the floor with mud.
It wouldn't be advisable to do 70mph + every day a couple times a day, but 50 won't hurt anything.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
One of my friends front driveshaft isn't balanced to good, so when he would lock them in a do 55 he had a vibration, but still no harm, but if it's out of balance, then it isn't worth the vibration.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,948
Likes: 44
A balance problem is a mechanical problem that should be fixed anyway.
Many guys suggest that leaving the front hubs engaged wears out parts. How is this possible? A ful time 4wd does not wear anu parts any faster, nor does the rear axle wear quickly, or even any faster because it is used every time the truck needs to move.
Guys can expect over a hundred thousand miles out of a rear axle that has power to it every one of those miles, so why would we not expect the front to be able to do the same?
I believe most front axles go bad from lack of use.
Plenty of guys lock em in the winter and free them during summer. Pretty sure you will not see any damage or "additional wear" from this.
Many guys suggest that leaving the front hubs engaged wears out parts. How is this possible? A ful time 4wd does not wear anu parts any faster, nor does the rear axle wear quickly, or even any faster because it is used every time the truck needs to move.
Guys can expect over a hundred thousand miles out of a rear axle that has power to it every one of those miles, so why would we not expect the front to be able to do the same?
I believe most front axles go bad from lack of use.
Plenty of guys lock em in the winter and free them during summer. Pretty sure you will not see any damage or "additional wear" from this.
just another Rockwell looser
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,042
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From: Cocoa, FL
thats how i found out how bad my front dshaft was off balance....but since i only used in off road i didn't worry about it.....it was a trigger to know if my hubs were still locked in when i felt the shakin....haha
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Post Fiend
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just another Rockwell looser
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,042
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From: Cocoa, FL
Originally Posted by 75F350
Did you post a pic or somethin? I can't see anything....
no i was lame i thought that the having to scroll down to see the ban sign was cool....your right.....i was wrong...
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
Likes: 74
From: Blue Hill Township
Nope, won't cause a problem other than less fuel mileage. I leave mine locked in most of the winter and not a problem. The t-case will always be lubed as its always spinning even if the fronts aren't locked.
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 936
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From: Carlos, MN
Lock them in I leave mine locked most of the winter, because up here in MN you never no when you will need 4wd, and if you don't put it in you someimes get into trouble to fast. The only thing I've noticed is you get about 1 mpg a less.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 8,542
Likes: 5
From: Louisiana
Originally Posted by MisterCMK
Nope, won't cause a problem other than less fuel mileage. I leave mine locked in most of the winter and not a problem. The t-case will always be lubed as its always spinning even if the fronts aren't locked.