Locked Hubs
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Alsip USA
Locked Hubs
Having never owned a vehicle with locking hubs what kind of problems/issues will arise this winter locking my hubs on the way to a plow job and not actually engaging 4wd until I get to the job?
Traveling short distances with hubs locked- good/bad
Will
Alsip, IL
86 F250 4x4 351W
-Plow Truck, Western 8'6"
97 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0 SOHC
-Lifted 2.5"
99 Jeep Sahara 4x4 4.0 I-6
-Stock for now
Traveling short distances with hubs locked- good/bad
Will
Alsip, IL
86 F250 4x4 351W
-Plow Truck, Western 8'6"
97 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0 SOHC
-Lifted 2.5"
99 Jeep Sahara 4x4 4.0 I-6
-Stock for now
Elder User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 760
Likes: 0
From: Billings, MT
Locked Hubs
There's an old wives tale that it's bad to have your hubs locked when not in 4WD, but it's just that. There are people here that leave them locked from November to April. I leave mine locked for days or even weeks at a time if the weather is really inclement.
The Law
1989 F-250 HD 4x4
460, C6, BW 13-56, Sterling 10.25" (4.10:1), Dana 44 HD (4.09:1), twin K&N's, no muffler, stock lo-flo cat, Bosch Platinum Plugs (0.060") MSD 6A and TFI Blaster Coil
The Law
1989 F-250 HD 4x4
460, C6, BW 13-56, Sterling 10.25" (4.10:1), Dana 44 HD (4.09:1), twin K&N's, no muffler, stock lo-flo cat, Bosch Platinum Plugs (0.060") MSD 6A and TFI Blaster Coil
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
Locked Hubs
Other than a slight drop in gas mileage, it won't harm anything. You know have to exert power to turn the front axle, and that uses a bit of gas. Making short trips I doubt you will even notice it though. Since there is no stress on the parts when the 4wd isn't engaged, they don't wear out from driving around with the hubs locked. Remember, alot of newer 4wd vehicles with electronic 4wd have solid front hubs making the front axle turn all the time, and only use the transfer case to engage/disengage 4wd.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Locked Hubs
You are actually suppose to drive with the hubs locked every once in awhile to keep everything lubricated and in working order. All you're doing is spinning the front axle, nothing is being harmed so go for it.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.
Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: east of Orlando
Locked Hubs
I wouldn't recommend leaving your hubs locked. Just creates excess wear on your pinion bearing and all other associated differential bearings and seals. If your front differential is in excellant condition, you might get away with it. But if your dif is neglected like most trucks are(dirty gear oil, leaking seals, mud encrusted, etc) take two seconds to unlock your hubs. It could save you hundreds in repair costs.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Locked Hubs
I don't lock mine all winter, but, I will lock them for a few miles every couple months to keep things up to snuff.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .
Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Alsip USA
Locked Hubs
All points noted and thanks... I think I will lube things up, and let it go until the winter. I will mostlikely leave them locked, I do small runs between jobs, I will most likely leave it in 4wd anyways.
Will
Alsip, IL
86 F250 4x4 351W
-Plow Truck, Western 8'6"
97 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0 SOHC
-Lifted 2.5"
99 Jeep Sahara 4x4 4.0 I-6
-Stock for now
Will
Alsip, IL
86 F250 4x4 351W
-Plow Truck, Western 8'6"
97 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0 SOHC
-Lifted 2.5"
99 Jeep Sahara 4x4 4.0 I-6
-Stock for now
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Locked Hubs
I will most
>likely leave it in 4wd anyways.
I hope I misunderstood, but just incase, you can't drive in 4wd on the street, you'll test the strength of your drivetrain real quick. 4wd only on slippery surfaces. You probably know, but i'm just making sure.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .
Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
>likely leave it in 4wd anyways.
I hope I misunderstood, but just incase, you can't drive in 4wd on the street, you'll test the strength of your drivetrain real quick. 4wd only on slippery surfaces. You probably know, but i'm just making sure.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Alsip USA
Locked Hubs
No no, 4wd on slick snowy roads, the thing dont go out unless there is white stuff on the road. I dont have legal plates, but I am not dumb enough not to have insurance. No plates due to emissions concerns.
Will
Alsip, IL
86 F250 4x4 351W
-Plow Truck, Western 8'6"
97 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0 SOHC
-Lifted 2.5"
99 Jeep Sahara 4x4 4.0 I-6
-Stock for now
Will
Alsip, IL
86 F250 4x4 351W
-Plow Truck, Western 8'6"
97 Explorer XLT 4x4 4.0 SOHC
-Lifted 2.5"
99 Jeep Sahara 4x4 4.0 I-6
-Stock for now
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 14,947
Likes: 6
From: Topsfield, MA
Locked Hubs
...Just making sure.
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .
Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds
.Thats it for now, saving for a stang. Check out my Gallery for a look-see.
Justin
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