4WD locking or not
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Junior User
Joined: Oct 2004
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4WD locking or not
I have an 2004 F-350 SC Diesel. I just got it back from the auto body place (2 weeks ago). It started getting crappy mileage betwween 12 to 14 mpg. I just checked the front hubs and found out they were in the locked position versus automatic. The question is will this do alot of damage (only driven it about 200 miles and lucky we had 3 snow storms in that time) ? Also why the locked and auto ? I still have to turn the switch inside the truck for 4WD even if it is in locked.
Thanks
Thanks
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
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From: Whittier, CA
Locked hubs, with the transfer case in 4x2, won't hurt a thing. You are fine.
The reason for the locked/auto hubs is so you will have peace of mind that you can lock them even if the auto system fails. Which we all know it does.
In practice, many of us will leave the hubs in the locked position when we will be using 4x4 frequently, like on off road trips. Some guys even leave them locked all winter. Doesn't hurt a thing. Although personally I don't like to run over 55mph because of the u-joint wear. But Ford makes no such limitation.
The reason for the locked/auto hubs is so you will have peace of mind that you can lock them even if the auto system fails. Which we all know it does.
In practice, many of us will leave the hubs in the locked position when we will be using 4x4 frequently, like on off road trips. Some guys even leave them locked all winter. Doesn't hurt a thing. Although personally I don't like to run over 55mph because of the u-joint wear. But Ford makes no such limitation.
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bpounds
Does this mean if the hubs are locked but the switch inside is set for 2WD that is actually 2WD until I throw the switch to 4WD? Because that is what it seems like to me.
Thanks for the info.
Does this mean if the hubs are locked but the switch inside is set for 2WD that is actually 2WD until I throw the switch to 4WD? Because that is what it seems like to me.
Thanks for the info.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 17,400
Likes: 319
From: Whittier, CA
Yes, that is correct.
With hubs locked, 4x4 engaged, the front differential will be turning under power.
With hubs lock, 4x4 NOT engaged (4x2) the front differential will be turning, but disconnected from power inside the tranfer case.
Never engage 4x4 while on hard dry surfaces. This can break your transfer case.
With hubs locked, 4x4 engaged, the front differential will be turning under power.
With hubs lock, 4x4 NOT engaged (4x2) the front differential will be turning, but disconnected from power inside the tranfer case.
Never engage 4x4 while on hard dry surfaces. This can break your transfer case.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Missoula, MT
A company I worked for several years ago bought a new (at time) '04 F350 4X4 Dually for my crew. It had manual hubs and the ol' bend over and grab 4 shifter. I migrated to the office and worked and the guys went out in the field to work. I got a call one day saying "We need to put the truck in the shop and have the front end looked at. Everytime I turn a corner I hear clicking". I met them at one of our sites and looked at the front hubs and saw they were locked in. I could've choked them. Of course when asked nobody knew who locked them in. I turned them back to free and guess what...yup...the "clicking sound" went away.
