Long-time locked HUBS, damage????
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Long-time locked HUBS, damage????
Hey guys,
I recently bought a 2008 F250 SD with the 5.4L and 3.73s. I noticed my gas mileage was worse than I had researched on here and after about 1 week of driving I thought it felt funny still, so I decided to check the front manual locking hubs and found them to be locked. Granted, 4wd was not enganged, I can't be certain how long they have been locked for. What if the idiot that put the 32k miles before me had them locked all along? What is the potential for damage, what kind of damage, and how do I find out and what do I look for when looking? ANY help you can gave me is much appreciated.
Dar
I recently bought a 2008 F250 SD with the 5.4L and 3.73s. I noticed my gas mileage was worse than I had researched on here and after about 1 week of driving I thought it felt funny still, so I decided to check the front manual locking hubs and found them to be locked. Granted, 4wd was not enganged, I can't be certain how long they have been locked for. What if the idiot that put the 32k miles before me had them locked all along? What is the potential for damage, what kind of damage, and how do I find out and what do I look for when looking? ANY help you can gave me is much appreciated.
Dar
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Eastern CT.
If the axels u-joints are not clunking and banging,,and 4x4 works ok,,,then I would'nt worry about a thing,,the only grease fittings I found on my 06' F-350,,were on the 2- front axel U-joints,,give them a look,,and a shot of grease if you find any,,,,Good Luck
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Redford, Mi.
The only thing that would get a lot of wear and tear to worry about are the u joints and the big dust shields that keep all the moisture out of the back of the hub. Should not be a problem for the front diff or the transfer case, maybe check the fluids and make sure they are at their proper levels.
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From: Isanti, MN
Have you ever noticed how Ford HD pickups are the only trucks on the market with manual hubs?
Neither Dodge nor Chevy have this feature, the front axle is ALWAYS spinning in these trucks. Dodge's solid front axle design is similar to what you see in your '08 SD.
It's pretty safe to say that no damage was done. It's mainly an efficiency thing with being able to lock out the hubs. When you're not in 4x4 there is almost no torque being applied to the driveline, therefore the components aren't even getting stressed.
The only thing that I think may be a problem is if the hubs freeze up and you can't get them unlocked. But since you were able to, don't worry about it!
Neither Dodge nor Chevy have this feature, the front axle is ALWAYS spinning in these trucks. Dodge's solid front axle design is similar to what you see in your '08 SD.
It's pretty safe to say that no damage was done. It's mainly an efficiency thing with being able to lock out the hubs. When you're not in 4x4 there is almost no torque being applied to the driveline, therefore the components aren't even getting stressed.
The only thing that I think may be a problem is if the hubs freeze up and you can't get them unlocked. But since you were able to, don't worry about it!
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thank you
Thanks all for your responses. I feel better knowing all that. I'll be checking those U-Joints and fluid levels just to be safe but so far all looks good. Thank you so much for all your input gentlemen!!
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