I do not know how common this flaw is or if it is indeed a flaw in the design of the 1970-73 1/2 F250 4x4 front axles. But on 3 seperate axles and on my own which i have just recently repaired, the lockin-hubs dont get spun or break.. they get blow -off, literaly strip off the retaining allen screws and break the snap ring and it all goes flying about 3 feet. And O N L Y the driverside hub is effected this way. This has happened to me alone 3 seperate time. The third time i knew what it sounded like when the hub was breaking free and i quickly whent back into 2 wheel and unlocked them. Still this is an odd thing that this should happen at all. Somehow the locking hub is under tremendous outward pressure rather than rotating pressure. The only soulution i have been exposed to is that you drill 3 grade 9 screws into the hub itself to hold the locking hub on. This indeed works.. but it is a crude method that also allows water into the hub area. Any soultions or suggestions on where to go to find a soultion would be great. After all how many locking hubs do i have to buy and they dont last longer than 15 min out wheelin so whats the point of having 4 wheel drive if ya cant use it! BTW the berring, splines, shafts, gaskets, and gears are all where my ford shop manual tells me they should be and are in good condition or brand-new. Ok ford folks who knows the answer to this tough question!

 

I would try a different brand such as Warn Premium.

 

If you are doing really "serious" off road 4 wheeling, you might consider converting to a Dana 60 front axle. 44s are tough, but with a heavy truck, big tires, gobs of power, and a heavy foot on rough terrain, something will let go. Usually the hubs go first. Once they are strengthed for the abuse, the axle joints will be next. Just a thought.

Nathan