2WD Low
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
If I understand it correctly, even on the newer trucks, if you have the stick on the floor, you will have manual hubs. If you have ESOF (switch on the dash), you have auto hubs.
I don't know for sure when Ford went to the vacuum auto hubs. My dad's '96 has the stick on the floor and the mechanical auto hubs that don't even have a selector. My 2004 has the ESOF, but I believe that manual hubs and a manual shifter were an option.
As to the original question. I think it is OK to leave the hubs unlocked and use 4WL, resulting in 2WL. However, there is a reason why 4WD's for as long as I remember don't have a 2WL option. You can provide enough torque on the rear drive shaft to break it, a U-joint or a pinion gear. It's just a matter of being careful and not putting your foot into it.
I don't know for sure when Ford went to the vacuum auto hubs. My dad's '96 has the stick on the floor and the mechanical auto hubs that don't even have a selector. My 2004 has the ESOF, but I believe that manual hubs and a manual shifter were an option.
As to the original question. I think it is OK to leave the hubs unlocked and use 4WL, resulting in 2WL. However, there is a reason why 4WD's for as long as I remember don't have a 2WL option. You can provide enough torque on the rear drive shaft to break it, a U-joint or a pinion gear. It's just a matter of being careful and not putting your foot into it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
You will be fine using 4-Lo with the hubs unlocked, the Superduty rearend will handle it fine but just remember that there is alot more torque going to the rearend so don't romp on it too hard or you could break something.
On all the Superdutys, if you have the manual transfercase then you can do this by just leaving the hubs unlocked.
If you have ESOF then this will not work because of the auto-hubs but all you have to do to make it work is to unplug the electrical connector for the vacuum solenoid that activates the hubs, it is on the passenger side fenderwell.
On all the Superdutys, if you have the manual transfercase then you can do this by just leaving the hubs unlocked.
If you have ESOF then this will not work because of the auto-hubs but all you have to do to make it work is to unplug the electrical connector for the vacuum solenoid that activates the hubs, it is on the passenger side fenderwell.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,508
Likes: 2
From: The boonies by Dallas OR
If it's really 2 Hi and 2 Lo, it's probably a NP203 with a part time kit in it. If it's unmodified, it is always 4x4.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
From: Ortonville, MN
in regards to the 4lo getting stuck when used on dry(er) pavement, on my stepdads chevy plow truck with autolockers, all i have to do is move it forward and or back a bit then i can yank it out of 4lo
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: SW Idaho
Hello, I have seen this mentioned a few times in the towing forum and just wanted to ask a quick question.
With the manual hubs unlocked/free, place the truck in 4wheel low - is there any risk of damage? This really sounds like a great thing for backing up the fifth wheel, nice little slope to get into the driveway.
Thanks
With the manual hubs unlocked/free, place the truck in 4wheel low - is there any risk of damage? This really sounds like a great thing for backing up the fifth wheel, nice little slope to get into the driveway.
Thanks
I have 2 settings on the hub, 'locked' and 'automatic'.OK i get it now...i have auto hubs so i can't unlock them!
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 65,938
Likes: 1,432
From: Millersville, MD
"If you have ESOF then this will not work because of the auto-hubs but all you have to do to make it work is to unplug the electrical connector for the vacuum solenoid that activates the hubs, it is on the passenger side fenderwell."
From post # 17.
From post # 17.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: SW Idaho
I can't seem to find that connecter on my firewall....if i could i was thinking of wiring it one of my Uplifter switches?
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 530
Likes: 2
From: W. Wisc
It is a 3-pin connector right behind the battery. Wire colors are Lt Bl/Pink, RED and GRAY/BK. It is controlled by grounding the red and Gray/bk pins. Fuse 27 suppies 12v when key is in Run to the the Lt Blue/pink wire. You could use the upfitter to interrupt the Lt Bl/pink wire, perhaps. It comes from fuse 27 under the dash, but that feeds a bunch of other circuits too.
Note: this is from my 2005 SD wiring diagram. Other years may vary some.
-Dave
Note: this is from my 2005 SD wiring diagram. Other years may vary some.
-Dave
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