Stuck hub locks?

[tykesplace]

Heya. Been lurking for a while, finally decided to register.
I think my 4x4 hubs may be stuck in the engaged position. With the switch in the cab in 4x4 the front wheels spin with the hubs locked or unlocked. And by spin I mean when I gun it sitting on ice. They don't spin when in 4x2. So my question is, if the hubs are unlocked, should the front spin at all with the switch on 4x4? Maybe on the ice not much torque is needed to spin them, but in dirt they wouldn't spin at all.
Thanks. I've already learned a lot here and I 'm looking forward to learning more.
Darrel

[SCUFFY828]

im confused

[MrJohnWayne]

They are auto hubs. If they are unlocked they will still engage when in 4wd, or you can lock them to make sure they are engaged when you want them to be.

[djsdiesel]

if you have a switch on the dash then you have auto hubs or so your hubs either have an auto or lock position. If it is the auto position when you turn the switch vacuum locks in the hubs. if your auto hubs arnt working then you have the option of turning them in manually. Most of the time the problem with auto hubs is that they won't unlock in the 4x2 position, you will notice this if you turn on dry pavement in 4x2 and it feels like something is binding up. So if you put in 4x4 on the dash your tires should spin in either hub position. If you have the stock ford hubs

[cblackb]

Well, I'm a little confused too. But what is supposed to happen is that when your hubs are in "auto" (unlocked) and you engage your 4x4 (transfer case) the hubs should engage/lock. Then when you disengage the transfer case, they should go back to being unlocked. One of mine was stuck too (front differential turned even when the transfer case was disengaged). All I had to do was take the hublocks off and drown them in PB Blaster and work all the dirt out of them..now they work great. You can also take them totally apart and regrease them if needed. Just be sure that you replace the big O-ring. If you don't have a good vaccum seal..those hubs will NOT work. I hope this helps.

[tykesplace]

Originally Posted by djsdiesel

if you have a switch on the dash then you have auto hubs or so your hubs either have an auto or lock position. If it is the auto position when you turn the switch vacuum locks in the hubs. if your auto hubs arnt working then you have the option of turning them in manually. Most of the time the problem with auto hubs is that they won't unlock in the 4x2 position, you will notice this if you turn on dry pavement in 4x2 and it feels like something is binding up. So if you put in 4x4 on the dash your tires should spin in either hub position. If you have the stock ford hubs

Man, that was quick!
That's makes sense. I assumed the hubs were like older trucks I've had where you lock or unlock them and then engage the transfer case. These are stock hubs, but I can't see if there are any words indicating auto or engaged, because the outer part is covered by the plastic-chrome lug covers. Can you tell me which directions puts them in auto? Clockwise or counter-clockwise?
Thanks!
D

[SCUFFY828]

there should be little dots on them and on the outside ring unless worn off should say auto and lock

[tykesplace]

Originally Posted by scott whisenhunt

there should be little dots on them and on the outside ring unless worn off should say auto and lock

Cool.
I guess I didn't look close enough. I'll take a better look.
Thanks again for the FAST replies. You guys !
Darrel

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Last edited by tykesplace : 01-19-2007 at 01:04 PM.

[cblackb]

Turning to the left puts it into Auto mode...turning Right will Manually lock them..

[clancy1920]

Righty tighty lefty loosie