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Auto 4X4 Operation Question?

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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 11:02 AM
  #1  
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tstaffor
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Auto 4X4 Operation Question?

Is anyone out there familiar with the auto version of the 2004 f150 4WD system? I had the front end of my rig jacked up yesterday and noticed that the front axles spin when the wheels are rotated. I am wondering if this is a normal condition. The previous systems that I am familiar with have hubs that de-couple the wheels from the axles when in 2WD mode.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Tim
 
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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 11:08 AM
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If you didn't have the engine on, that is normal. Default position for the front hubs is locked.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 12:18 PM
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gpeade
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The best I can tell is this is how these systems work today. Pull the front tire of any late model pick-up and you'll see that the hub is just like a front wheel drive car, the axle runs through the hub with a nut on it. There is no more locking hubs like you are use to. One can only assume that the locking takes place within the axle housing.
Someone correct me if this is incorrect please!! I am just assuming this based on what I see. I don't want to give anyone false info.
 
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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 12:20 PM
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patriots6800
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Yes and it means move moving parts i wish they'd offer a manual hub on the 150's like come standard on the super duties
 
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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 12:32 PM
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osbornk
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I'm glad I don't have locking hubs any more. They were a problem. The automatic locking hubs would sometimes refuse to lock properly in very very cold weather and the manual hubs would be difficult to lock and unlock due to crud and corrosion. (and lack of frequent use).
 
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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 12:34 PM
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I just got off the phone with my local Ford dealer's service department. The service advisor confirmed the axles are fastened to the wheels without the traditional hub. The 4X4 engagement takes place with in the transfer case. It would seem this systems adds a great deal more drag and compromises already poor gas mileage. I do alot of stop and go driving and even with a light throttle foot I only get 11-12 mpg.

Tim
 
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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 12:46 PM
  #7  
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The front hubs are unlocked using vacuum, so the engine must be running for the front end to freewheel. That's why everything will rotate with the front end jacked in the air and you spin the wheel. Lose the vacuum (either by going to 4WD or a leak) and the hubs are engaged.

Check out this link (originally provided by Racerguy) to read how the system works (it actually is designed to save gas):

http://www.warn.com/corporate/WARN.I...heel.End.shtml
 

Last edited by DonsFx4; Jul 12, 2005 at 01:02 PM.
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Old Jul 12, 2005 | 01:58 PM
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kingfish51
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Originally Posted by tstaffor
I just got off the phone with my local Ford dealer's service department. The service advisor confirmed the axles are fastened to the wheels without the traditional hub. The 4X4 engagement takes place with in the transfer case. It would seem this systems adds a great deal more drag and compromises already poor gas mileage. I do alot of stop and go driving and even with a light throttle foot I only get 11-12 mpg.

Tim
Your dealer is wrong. The 97-03 had CV joints at the wheels, no hubs. The 04-05 have a vacuum engaged hub. With the engine off, the default is locked.
 
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