4x4 not working

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 25, 2009 | 09:30 AM

#16

vettdvr

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,720

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlh68050

..........What most don't realize is that you can drive around with the hubs locked and then use the switch on the dash to engage 4x4. This is what I do if I anticipate the need (snow conditions).

Guess I don't understand mine then. When I have it jacked and not in 4wd the front wheels are freewheeling not turning the diff. With 4wd on they lock up as designed.

When the truck is driven with 4wd off the front differential isn't turning so I don't understand how ESOF auto hubs are "always" engaged.

Jul 25, 2009 | 09:36 AM

#17

Cardiac69

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 647

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by vettdvr

In the winter here in NW Indiana, this is what I do. My Mile Marker hubs are locked, and the 4x4 switch in 2wd until I need it.

Vettdvr, with the ESOF hubs working properly, they shouldn't be "always engaged". When you turn the 4x4 switch into 4wd, it sends a signal via vacuum to lock the front hubs, and they stay that way until you turn it back to 2wd.

Jul 25, 2009 | 10:00 AM

#18

rlh68050

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 1,089

Likes: 1

From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardiac69

Yes, exactly what I do with my Mile Markers. There is no issue with driving around with the hubs locked (doesn't Dodge do this from the factory?).

To maybe better explain the ESOF operation. There are two things that happen when you turn the dial on the dash. 1) the transfer case is engaged via an electronic solenoid; 2) the ESOF hubs are locked via a vacuum pulse sent down to the hub by vacuum hoses (the solenoid for this is on the passenger side near the battery on my V10). To unlock, the reverse happens. Both operations need to take place to have 4x4 working. The weak part is the ESOF hubs and this is what we replace with the Mile Marker or Warn units. This takes the vacuum operation out of the picture (the weak part). By driving around with the front hubs locked and the t-case non engaged all you are doing is spinning the front axle and prop shaft. There is no connection to the rear diff because the t-case is still in 2wd. Again, there is no issue in doing this (I think Jeep dose this too). I will also hazard to bet that there are many who "think" that there ESOF hubs are functioning properly but they are really just stuck in the lock mode.

Jul 25, 2009 | 03:06 PM

#19

vettdvr

Posting Guru

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 1,720

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardiac69

Ok,, now I understand. I thought you were referencing the OEM ESOF being engaged all the time, not the MM. I understand the manuals are engaged. Thanks vettdvr

Jul 26, 2009 | 01:57 AM

#20

fomoco_1

Senior User

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 148

Likes: 0

From: Elm City,N.C.

So lemmie get this through my thick skull. If I manually engage the factory ESOF hubs,I can still regulate between 4wd and 2wd without doing any kind of damage to any part of the drivetrain by using the 2/4 hi/lo switch on the dash?

Jul 26, 2009 | 08:11 AM

#21

rlh68050

Posting Guru

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 1,089

Likes: 1

From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by fomoco_1

Yes, you can. Only thing that you are doing is spinning the front axle and front prop shaft. Without the t-case engaged there will be no binding of the driveline. I do this all the time in the winter months.

Jul 26, 2009 | 08:12 AM

#22

Cardiac69

Elder User

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 647

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by fomoco_1

No damage.

You will suffer a little more wear and tear is all.

If the hubs are locked manually, and you have the dash switch at 2wd, whether you have the ESOF hubs or the Warn/Mile Marker manuals, the front driveshafts will turn at road speed. The transfer case will not.

If you have your hubs unlocked, and the dash switch at 2wd, then the front driveshafts will not turn, and you'll suffer a little less wear on the front shafts....

In the winter here in NW Indiana, where I live in the Lake Michigan "Lake Effect" snow belt, if there is snow forecast, I lock my Mile Marker hubs, but leave the dash switch in 2wd, until I need it, then switch to 4wd and I'mmin 4X4 mode then.

I hope that softened up that 'ole skull of yours