Solid Front Axle?
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New User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Solid Front Axle?
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
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Denver USA
Solid Front Axle?
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!
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
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From: Washington State
Solid Front 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.
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.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Denver USA
Solid Front Axle?
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.
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Joined: Aug 2002
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Solid Front Axle?
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.
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.
Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Solid Front Axle?
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... 
Hence the SOTF for me post. It throws 'em off a bit...
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Sit. Stay.
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 18,308
Likes: 20
From: Washington State
Solid Front Axle?
Originally posted by Sun
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.
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.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: IN FRONT OF YOU
Solid Front Axle?
Originally posted by monsta
The switch not only actuates the vacuum hubs but also the shift motor in the transfer case.
The switch not only actuates the vacuum hubs but also the shift motor in the transfer case.
Riiiiiggggghhhhhttttt..........sure sounds good in theory
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: Hibbing, MN
Solid Front Axle?
Originally posted by monsta
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...
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...
Hey, I heard that!
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,535
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From: I'm lost somewhere in NJ -- can someone please find me?!?!?!?
Solid Front Axle?
Originally posted by YETI
Riiiiiggggghhhhhttttt..........sure sounds good in theory
Riiiiiggggghhhhhttttt..........sure sounds good in theory
Posting Guru
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Posts: 2,066
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From: Oxnard, CA
Solid Front Axle?
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
man... those guys are going to get one hell of a search next time