clarify the 4x4 usage

[cesspool]

I have a 2000 X W/ 7.3

I forget how the hubs work to be honest.

I flipped the dash switch to 4H and nothing with the front wheels. So I turned the hubs and still nothing. Then I flipped the switch with the hubs turned and I get 4H. Only reason I know is going around corners with the choppy feeling the front end makes. I flipped it back and forth several times driving around the block and it is definitely engaging an disengaging now, using the switch with the hubs turned.

I was under the impression the hubs were 4x4 for use if the switch isn't working. But now I assume they work in conjunction with each other?

Thanks

[JMart]

If you have the auto locking hubs you may have a vacuum leak that is causing them to not auto lock. If not you have to lock the hubs manually to get 4wd.

[Goose350]

Originally Posted by cesspool

I was under the impression the hubs were 4x4 for use if the switch isn't working. But now I assume they work in conjunction with each other?

With the hubs in auto, the wheels have to make a full rotation before they will be locked for 4x4. The hubs are for when/if you get stuck and cant drive the truck to make that full rotation. The hubs are also a "backup plan" for when/if your vacuum pump fails or if you have a vacuum leak in your lines or hubs.

[cesspool]

then why is my switch working with the hubs?

[Jarrod B]

yep. i have the same issue. i just manally lock em.

[Goose350]

Originally Posted by cesspool

then why is my switch working with the hubs?

What do you mean?

[cesspool]

i turned the hub
Nothing
I flipped the switch and I had 4x4

I drove around the block stopped at each corner and turned it hard. You could feel the front end jumping because it was in 4x4. flip the switch and repeat at each corner and no jumping of the front end. all this without turning the hub back

[Fireman40]

If your switch is locking the hubs then it is working like it should. When you flip the switch it triggers the vaccum that engages your hubs and your transfer case. When you turn if off everything disengages. Like others were saying if you have a vaccum hose leak your hubs will not lock so you will need to manually engage your hubs. If you have to do this the switch should still control the transfer case

[Goose350]

Originally Posted by cesspool

i turned the hub
Nothing
I flipped the switch and I had 4x4

I drove around the block stopped at each corner and turned it hard. You could feel the front end jumping because it was in 4x4. flip the switch and repeat at each corner and no jumping of the front end. all this without turning the hub back

You will only have 4x4 when you turn the swith, no matter if the hubs are locked or in auto. The switch on the dash engages the transfer case.

Also, driving(especially turning) on pavement with the hubs locked is very hard on the hubs and will more than likely break them eventually.

[cesspool]

Originally Posted by Goose350

You will only have 4x4 when you turn the swith, no matter if the hubs are locked or in auto. The switch on the dash engages the transfer case.

Also, driving(especially turning) on pavement with the hubs locked is very hard on the hubs and will more than likely break them eventually.

its raining and sleeting here. and I kept it slow so as to hear/feel better.

but you did answer my question that the hubs don't automatically = 4x4. so my next question is what is the diff between auto and lock then in relation to the 4x4?