96 PSD 4x4 left turn wobble

[landofozpowerstroke]

Tonight I was making a sharp Left Handed U turn in a parking lot and felt a wobble in my right front tire. About every 5-10 feet or so. So I tried a Right Handed U turn real slow and felt one wobble. Tried the Left handed U turn again with the same results. There were no noises as in scraping or metal on metal, just this strange wobble. Driving straight she rolls fine. I don't notice any play in the steering wheel.

I popped it in 4wd hi and drove straight forward, then backwards, thinking that a vacuum or something may have dropped it into 4wd for some reason. After putting it back int 2wd it did the same thing. I did not attempt the U turns in 4wd.

Any ideas?

[SCUFFY828]

are you sure the hubs are unlocking , its possible to have one side hanging in 4x4 causinga similiar symptom

[landofozpowerstroke]

How can i check that? These are autolocking hubs with no manual lock?

[SCUFFY828]

on a 96 model never seen auto lock on a 96 , anyway , jack up front end and have someone look while you spin the wheel, see if that axle is turning

[landofozpowerstroke]

I will check that tonight. But while I was looking through previous posts, there was a thread talking about locking the hubs and actually engaging the 4wd. Some guys leave their manual hubs locked through winter. So my question is, if I do have a hub locked (which I suspect is true) do I REALLY need to fix/replace it? I understand the effect on tire wear and/or mileage, but other than that what other damage could it cause if I leave them as they are?

Thanks again!!

[Jessiah]

96 came with auto locking hubs. I changed mine to manual locking hubs. I did, and still have a rumbling/ vibration while slow turning, backing strait and while turning. It feels like it is in 4wd. It is noticable most often after the truck is warmed up and I have driven for a while. My tires have a off camber /\ to them. I think this my problem.
Anytime I think I might need 4wd. If there is snow, even patches or if I am driving dirt roads I leave the hubs locked in. All other time I leaving them unlocked.

[SCUFFY828]

im thinkin wrong you are right , just the push button on the dash , i thought about that after i posted, but you can still lock them in manually , they were as bad as the super duties for getting hung too

[landofozpowerstroke]

Ok, so to summarize the experts who have replied, and those from other threads, here are my understandings and intentions:

1) I believe that my auto locking hub is stuck in the locked position. I will verify tonight.

2) From researching a different thread, I need to back up at least 15 feet for an auto lock hub to be released. I am going to try that first.

3) If it does not unlock, supposedly it is OK to drive on pavement at highway speeds with locked hubs as long as I am not in 4hi or 4lo. (per bigcountrysg on another post)

4) Therefore, if #3 is true, I really do not have to "repair" my issue.

5) If I DO move forward with fixing this problem, I would install manual hubs. From calling autoparts stores, I am told I need a conversion kit since my truck has auto locking hubs. Anyone done this conversion on their trucks? If so, do you have any hints/recommendations?

Thanks to all for your help!!!!!

[Jessiah]

I did this conversion on my 96. I used the Warn premimun hubs. You need a thin wall socket that fits inside the hub to remove the factory nut. A punch and hammer might work. You will need a spanner/ hub socket to install the conversion kit. (Thrust washer, nut, lock washer, and jam nut.) put the new hub in, install washer and retaining clip( a good pair of pliers/ spreaders for the clip) and install cap. I am doing this by memory so I might of missed something, but it is easy.
I really wouldn't be too conserned about changeing your hubs out unless they are defective or you are like me and just have to change something.

[landofozpowerstroke]

Looking into which hubs to buy, I am being asked whether I have the standard suspension or the heavy duty suspension. How can I tell?