Can someone tell me what type of axle disconnect these trucks use? I have noticed that they have solid front axles, but they don't have locking hubs? Do they have hubs? Also, what axle is it? Dana 44, 60? How does Ford accomplish this? Thanks

 

The front axles are similar to the axles of the past. Locking hubs that disconnect the wheel/tire from the moving axle shaft, and traditional t-cases that disconnect the front driveshaft leaving the axle internals motionless. The only real difference is the bearing and hub design. They are unit bearings that are sealed. They are bolted to the knuckle and don't use a traditional spindle. I'm sure others can elaborate but they are still fairly traditional in nature as a whole. At least Ford let's you disconnect the axle!

 

Oh dear....



These trucks have locking hubs. Even the SOTF axles have locking feature.

As far as what axle... it depends on the year 2002 saw all Super Dutys and Excursions wear the Dana 60. Previous years, the D60 was reserved for the dually and all others wore the D50.

 

How do the locking hubs engage and disengage if you dont have to physically get out of the truck and lock/unlock them?

 

The ESOF hubs have a vacuum line going to them so that is the method used to lock/unlock. The ESOF hubs also turn manually like your standard hub in case the vacuum fails or you are already stuck.

 

OK, but if you lock the hubs in either manually of with the ESOF (electronic shift on the fly???) switch that seems like it would lock the hubs to the axle shafts but how would it engage the t-case?
I mean it sounds as if your saying the front axle shaft doesn't turn unless you throw a switch but I thought the switch only operates the vacuum activated hubs.
Can anyone clarify this for me?
Thanks.

 

eek! I was hoping you wouldn't put "Ee ess oh eff" just in case the "manual boys" were searchin' for it! Hence the SOTF for me post. It throws 'em off a bit...

 

The switch not only actuates the vacuum hubs but also the shift motor in the transfer case.

 

Thanks Ken.
That is what I presumed.

 

Riiiiiggggghhhhhttttt..........sure sounds good in theory

 

Hey, I heard that!

 

And I heard that! But I'll try not to comment in the hopes of containing the ESOF/manual hub wars that have transpired in the past. Too many FTE guys have already lost their lives over this feud.

 

ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF ESOF

man... those guys are going to get one hell of a search next time

 

Smart-****!

 

me!?!?

NEVER!!