I posted this question on the '09 forum as well. Is the 4wd front axle a CV axle, or does it have CV joints at the wheels?

Has anyone had any issues with the front axles such as clicking while turning or CV joint failure?

If so, I understand that this is different from a front wheel drive CV set-up in that it doesn't have power going to the front wheels all the time.

Any experiences good, bad or indifferent would be appreciated.

The research that I'm doing now dictates weather I buy a 2010 F-150 or a 2010 SD.

Thanks

Tim

 

well the "auto" hubs unlock and lock by a vaccum when the 4x4 is engauged...so no the frontend doesnt spin all the time...the f150 has auto hubs and the 250 has the "auto" or "lock" option on the front hubs...but obviously "lock" means the frontend spins all the time...i havent had any probs with it in my 04 5.4 screw or the 99 7.3 scab both work great

 

Tim

Don't worry about the CV joint set up. These are very reliable. But like any mechnical system, there will be some with failures. But Ford does a good job on these.

 

I have over 107K on my 04 and have not had any issues with the cv joints, either clicking or failing.

 

Good question, Tim. Yes, they have CV joints. however, as stated above, they do not spin unless you are in 4x4. I figure most front wheel drive cars don't have CV joint issues until well after 100K, and that's with them spinning and transferring power the entire 100K...I'd think the front driveaxles would be nearly bulletproof for the life of the truck...

I've never heard of a problem with one...and if it did start to show symptoms, it would ONLY be in 4x4, so everyday driveability would not be affected.

 

If you do lean towards a SD, keep in mind that the front wheel bearings on the 4X4 trucks are weak. Since 99 Ford puts 2 bearings against one another similar to our F-150's or a front wheel drive car instead of outer and inner like on the 97 and older SD's. To make matters worse, these bearings have a platic seal that is prone failure under heat. The grease leaks out and the bearing fails over time. I have heard of a lot of folks experiencing bearing failure at 60,000 miles. Also ball joints tend to wear out between 60K and 100K on the newer SD's. Dynatrac makes a kit for $1800 that will convert the SD's to the 97 and older style that is very reliable. The F-150 arrangement is more reliable that the SD arrangement. I suspect that's in part due the F-150 being lighter than a SD. I hope this helps out the decision making process.

Greg B