I've got a 2002 F250 with ESOF. When I was changing the left side ball joints earlier in the year, I noticed that the hub was staying engaged even though it was in auto and the right side was free. So, I replaced the left hub, and it is still staying engaged. I took the hub off, lubed it up and reinstalled it. It was freewheeling again until I put it in 4wd tonight, and the left hub would not disengage again, and the right one is still free. I don't think that this condition is normal,is it????

 

Are the needle bearings inside the wheel bearing any good?

 

Check for vacuum leaks-
I replaced my hubs with a pair of manual lockers from a 2000 superduty-and just dont have the auto mode any more-but now I know they cant lock unless I turn the hub- my set up also alows to leave the hubs free, and shift into 4 low- which creates a 2 low condition because the hubs are not locked-Just my $.02 -seems to work for me

 

I had the same problem after replacing the ball joints, I used new seals etc. It's like the vacum was not bleeding off. I switched the hub to manual, & back to auto & it disengaged. Next day, I tried 4x4 on the job site, turned it off, backed my truck into my spot. At 4pm, I had my coworker move it slowly ahead, I watched the axles, all was fine. How long are you out of 4x4 b4 looking at the hub /axle? It may take a while to disengage, & you may need to drive it a bit.

 

Thanks for everyones help. I tried driving it for about 20 miles, and it wouldn't disengage. So, I tried driving it in reverse up and down my driveway, still engaged. So finally, I jacked up the left front, started the truck, and spun it by hand forward and backwards. Now its freed up. I hope I don't have to do this after every time I use 4wd. Now on to the fun stuff. I'll be changing out the T code front springs to the V code, changing the spark plugs, the right ball joints, the broken exhaust manifold studs, and doing other maintenance. Wish me luck. Thanks