After reading threads on shifting into and out of 4 wheel drive I have discovered several answers that are conflicting. Can you FTE guys clarify this?
This applies to Fords that came with 4wd from the factory, no mods, everything is working properly, locking hubs, the shifter has 4L N 2H and 4H on it and the shift pattern is straight not a “J” pattern.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comfficeffice" /><o></o>

• Can you drive at highway speeds (50 to 60mph) while in 4H and hubs locked?
• Can you shift from 2H to 4H while driving?
• Can you leave your hubs locked at all times?
• Is it required to unlock hubs when switching to 2H?

 

I can only tell you my opinion, from how i drive my old trucks.-
**i don't drive at highway speeds in 4H, with the hubs locked in , because if I'm in this situation, I'm in severe driving conditions.
**i don't recommend shifting these old straight cut geared t-cases in and out of 4wd while driving, they can bind up really easy,or take out a gear.
**i don't leave the hubs locked in at all times , this causes the whole diff assembly to turn, causing lose of fuel economy (like that really matters in these old tanks)but it is recommended to lock the hubs in for at least 4-5 miles every month to lube up the hubs.
**you don't have to unlock the hubs as soon as you switch into 2H, but it serves no purpose other than being ready to switch to 4wd from the cab with out having to get back out to engage the hubs.
you need to understand that these old dent side 4 wheel drive systems are way different than today's electronically switched,"shift on the fly" style 4 wheel drive systems. these old trucks were designed in the days of a 4wd vehicle was bought for severe off road situations, like logging ,farming, hunting,wheeling,etc... not for soccer moms to look cool in driving to the mall. these trucks take a few steps to engage them, not leaving it up to a computer to decide if you need more traction.

 

Like the response from above I don't drive that fast in a situation where i need 4WD. you can but you just don't have the directional control needed or traction needed to stop saftly. If you do have the traction you pbibly don't need to be in 4WD
Yes you can shift all you want with out any damage 2H to 4H or vice versa
IF you are off the gas AND both drive shaft are spinning the same speed.
This means if you start spinning the rear tires in the snow you must let off and wait till the rear slows to the fronts speed then shift.
The 205(it sound like what you describe) case is MUCH more rugged then the stuff sold now.
You can leave hubs locked but MPG will suffer.
You don't have to unlock like the above poster stated.
(Many later model true Part-time case equipped vehicle do not have locking hubs or a axle dissconneting device. My 99 Jeep wrangler being one of them.)

 

Thanks hotroddually and 80broncoman.

Your input was very informative, helpful and clears up a few things for me.
hotroddually
"it is recommended to lock the hubs in for at least 4-5 miles every month to lube up the hubs." (I did not know this)
"you need to understand that these old dent side 4 wheel drive systems are way different than today's electronically switched,"shift on the fly" style 4 wheel drive systems. these old trucks were designed in the days of a 4wd vehicle was bought for severe off road situations, like logging ,farming, hunting,wheeling,etc..." (I have never owned a 4wd but this is why I bought my 79 after doing some research)

80broncoman
"Yes you can shift all you want with out any damage 2H to 4H or vice versa IF you are off the gas AND both drive shaft are spinning the same speed." (I was wondering how that worked.)
"The 205(it sound like what you describe) case is MUCH more rugged then the stuff sold now. " (I guess they dont make em' like they used to)

 

......just to clear up a few things

As long as the hubs are locked and both driveshafts are turning at the same speed, it does not matter.

This process actually has nothing to do with the hubs, they are always lubed. It's for the benefit of the differential and universal joints.

And Smitty, yes you can leave the hubs locked at all times. However, everything in your front axle must be in PERFECT working order. These trucks were available with full time 4wd....where the front axle was POWERED at all times. There is nothing wrong with letting it simply FREE SPIN at all times with the hubs locked and transfercase in 2hi. You will probably never even notice the difference in gas mileage. Many "late model" 4x4's don't even have a disconnect feature.

 

you can drive at highway speed in 4x4 without issue, but if you need to be in 4x, then you probably shouldn't drive that fast. i've had 3 4x4's that fast on road in winter time without issue, and two had floppy chaindrive t-cases. you also might find that you have a front driveshaft problem at speeds that high that you wouldn't notice at lower speeds, or offroad spinning tires fast. my suggestion, until you've had the truck awhile, and played with it a bit, stick to what the owners manual says until you are comfortable and confident.