Front driveshaft problem

[cajundave]

2000 f250 4x4
Should the front drive shaft be free (not spinning in gear)while operating in 2wd? I have the auto/lock hubs.

[NoRalPh]

In an "ideal world" it wouldn't spin at all. In the Real World it actually does turn some (drag from grease in the hubs and oil in the diff).

If you want to know if either hub in engaged for sure, jack-it-up and see if the U-Joint behind the wheel turns with the tire...

[cajundave]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

In an "ideal world" it wouldn't spin at all. In the Real World it actually does turn some (drag from grease in the hubs and oil in the diff).

If you want to know if either hub in engaged for sure, jack-it-up and see if the U-Joint behind the wheel turns with the tire...

I jacked it up and the u joint behind the wheel does turn. The front drive shaft spins when either of the front wheels spin. I shifted it in and out of 4x4 and it is stuck. Any suggestions?


About 3 years ago I had the truck in 4x4 and i had to cut the wheel all the way left in order to fit through a passage way. When I did this I heard a real loud noise come from the front area. Since then, when I cut my wheel hard to the left or right in 2wheel drive I hear the same thump. And the thump will repeat itself if I continue to keep the wheel cut hard left or right. A year after that I replaced my front ball joints, front u joints, swing arms. The noise has not went away. I don't know how long the front drive shaft has been locked in gear.

[NoRalPh]

To confirm, you set the hub into "Free" and the U-Joint still turns? Put a big screwdriver or prybar into that joint to see if it's truly Locked maybe...

[cajundave]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

To confirm, you set the hub into "Free" and the U-Joint still turns? Put a big screwdriver or prybar into that joint to see if it's truly Locked maybe...

my hubs do not have any markings on them, but my manual says that they can be in "auto" or "locked" position. In both positions the u-joints and front drive shaft spins along with the tires.

[NoRalPh]

OK, you have vacuum hubs and it sounds like they could be stuck. Even if they're not, I'd give them a good cleaning and lube for good maintenance anyway...

Have a read through this -> Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page

[cajundave]

Originally Posted by NoRalPh

OK, you have vacuum hubs and it sounds like they could be stuck. Even if they're not, I'd give them a good cleaning and lube for good maintenance anyway...

Have a read through this -> Welcome to guzzle's 4x4 Autolock Hub Lubrication Maintenance Web Page

thanks a bunch, I'll try cleaning them