4wd with manual front hubs

[Specop_007]

For those with manual locking front hubs do you just keep them locked all the time or do you bother with getting out of the truck to lock/unlock them? I dont really see much of a downside to just keeping them locked all the time outside of taking a .5 MPG hit in fuel economy.

[Dasaliac03]

ive wondered this too, but if they are already locked will the 4wd even engage? i have a manual T-case and if i will it up into 4wd high, i have to get out and lock them in for the 4wd even to work, sucks

[Zaairman]

I unlock them every time. Bit of a pain, but it saves wear and tear on those parts and I like the better fuel economy...

[e99f2506sp]

Originally Posted by Zaairman

I unlock them every time. Bit of a pain, but it saves wear and tear on those parts and I like the better fuel economy...

[X JBM X]

Mine stay unlocked.

How often do you find yourself switching them or needing them locked?

It makes sense (for me at least) to lock them when I need them, since it's only a couple times a year anyway, even in the Northeast.

[Specop_007]

Well, my other question, lets say you know you'll be off roading a bit so you lock the front before you begin the day.
Is the 2001 F250 a shift on the fly capable vehicle? I know my 99 Expedition can go into 4H at up to 45 MPH. Is that also the case with the F250's? I would assume so but 4WD repair gets expensive with a quickness so I figure it wouldnt hurt to double check.

[melmount]

One of the nice things about the ford front ends is the axles and front end parts dont spin unless you are in 4wd. With the hubs moving even in 2wd turning tight corners stinks. The front u joints are moving. I have no problem getting out an locking them in. Takes 20 seconds. Why move and put wear on the u joints, axle bearings, carrier bearings, Pinion bearings, front drive shaft u joints etc.

[Specop_007]

Originally Posted by melmount

One of the nice things about the ford front ends is the axles and front end parts dont spin unless you are in 4wd. With the hubs moving even in 2wd turning tight corners stinks. The front u joints are moving. I have no problem getting out an locking them in. Takes 20 seconds. Why move and put wear on the u joints, axle bearings, carrier bearings, Pinion bearings, front drive shaft u joints etc.

So this will really show my limited knowledge of the front locking hubs.
I thought that with locking hubs if both hubs were locked in that the front end would then function like an open rear end. Only the wheel with the least resistance would turn.
From what you mentioned about cornering that would imply that when you lock in the front hubs they function as a closed system and both wheels are "locked".

[e99f2506sp]

Originally Posted by Specop_007

So this will really show my limited knowledge of the front locking hubs.
I thought that with locking hubs if both hubs were locked in that the front end would then function like an open rear end. Only the wheel with the least resistance would turn.
From what you mentioned about cornering that would imply that when you lock in the front hubs they function as a closed system and both wheels are "locked".

From what I understand, yes. Mine clunks and hops when I corner with the hubs locked.

Someone else can clarify, but by my experience, its true.

[CHUCK]

I leave mine unlocked. I do on occasion lock them and drice around a few miles and even put it in 4hi and drive around the yard...just to keep everything freed up...