beginners' question on locking hubs
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Wheaton USA
beginners' question on locking hubs
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 13-Dec-02 AT 03:54 PM (EST)]I just got a Ford Bronco II, my first 4x4. My question is about the locking hubs, and the 2H 4H and 4L shifter. In order to get into 4 wheel drive, do I have to get out and lock the hubs and then shift into 4H or 4L? DO I have to unlock the hubs when I want to go back to 2 wheel drive? I guess I am not clear on why I can shift in and out of 4 wheel drive, and then also have to lock and unlock the hubs. Thanks for any explaination.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 22
From: Lacey, WA
beginners' question on locking hubs
Hi,
Welcome to the wonderful world of 4 wheeling! I personally feel the reason manual locking hubs are popular is: Better fuel economy due to less moving drive train components, and less wear and tear on these parts. I also like the ability of putting the truck in 4 low and not locking the hubs when backing up my trailer. It is SLOW and much more controlable. Others will surely chime in,
Lee
Welcome to the wonderful world of 4 wheeling! I personally feel the reason manual locking hubs are popular is: Better fuel economy due to less moving drive train components, and less wear and tear on these parts. I also like the ability of putting the truck in 4 low and not locking the hubs when backing up my trailer. It is SLOW and much more controlable. Others will surely chime in,
Lee
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,246
Likes: 0
From: Princeton, MN
beginners' question on locking hubs
You have to both shift into 4H or 4L and lock in the hubs to be in 4 wheel drive. Shifting into 4H/L engages the axle to the drive train via the transfer case, and locking the hubs "connects" the wheels to the axle. Just shifting into gear without locking the hubs will cause the drive train to turn the front axle, but they won't deliver any power to the front wheels without the hubs locked in. Having the hubs locked in without being shifted into 4H/L will cause the axle to turn when the front wheels turn but it won't be engaged to the drive train. It is like a double disconnect. You probably should lock the hubs in once in a while (once a month?) and drive around a little in 2H just to keep things lubed well but it will cut you gas mileage a little cuz of the extra resistance. And don't drive around in 4H/L on dry pavement, you can damage the gears.
Lee's example of shifting into 4L without locking in the hubs allows him to use a lower set of gears but he only has power to the rear tires because the front ones are disengaged.
Make sense? I hope I explained that well. Enjoy your new toy!
Lee's example of shifting into 4L without locking in the hubs allows him to use a lower set of gears but he only has power to the rear tires because the front ones are disengaged.
Make sense? I hope I explained that well. Enjoy your new toy!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 738
Likes: 2
From: McChord AFB
beginners' question on locking hubs
All a locking hub does is disengage the front axle via a set of presure plates and stuff. They are alot more reliable and less prone to breakage but when the do, they are a snap to fix.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
beginners' question on locking hubs
In winter, with my BIIs I usually left the hubs locked all the time so I could use 4x4H when I needed it without getting out. Plus, in winter I did not drive too fast.
On the highway, having the hubs locked will give the BII a slight heavy feel to the steering. After you have owned your truck for a while, you will be able to tell the difference in steering feel from locked/unlocked hubs.
In warmer months I would lock the hubs once a month and drive in 4H on a rainy day, usually through something with puddles to make sure everything worked okay. Wait that was for fun too!
What I would do, is make sure all your front axle UJs are intact and well lubed. Especially the outer right hand one that is exposed to the road. Being exposed to the road, it tends to lose its lube/rubber seals on the UJ faster.
On the highway, having the hubs locked will give the BII a slight heavy feel to the steering. After you have owned your truck for a while, you will be able to tell the difference in steering feel from locked/unlocked hubs.
In warmer months I would lock the hubs once a month and drive in 4H on a rainy day, usually through something with puddles to make sure everything worked okay. Wait that was for fun too!
What I would do, is make sure all your front axle UJs are intact and well lubed. Especially the outer right hand one that is exposed to the road. Being exposed to the road, it tends to lose its lube/rubber seals on the UJ faster.
