I have had to use the 4x4 on my truck a few times recently and it engages fine, but it takes forever to unlock the hubs. I back up numerous times until finally they unlock. So, that got me thinking, how long (or hard) is it to unlock your auto hubs after you're done with them? Eventually, I'm gonna get some manual ones.

 

yo,
They may need to be cleaned and lightly lubed. My 96 Bronco's hubs were ok till 30k miles when both blew out despite maintenance.
When new, I could unlock within 5 feet in reverse and the unlocking "bang" was clearly heard. Later, I could not hear any unlocking (which was a TSB subject - (locking/unlocking on their own").

 

When mine were working properly, it didn't take more than a few feet to get them to disengage.

 

it had usually had taken me around between 5 and 10 feet to unlock, than on rare ocasions it wont unlock. but it should just take one shot.

 

If you are having trouble unlocking, drive backwards over a slippery surface, such as a puddle, sand, or grass.