4x4 not working
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
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.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
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.
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.
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
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.
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.
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,720
Likes: 1
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.
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.
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
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 148
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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?
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,089
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
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.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
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
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
And none to speak of because those parts are just going along for the ride with no resistance, not to mention they rarely got used anyway.
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