locking hubs on 1999 f250

[mick883]

I am new to the 4X4 and diesel scene. Today for the first time we had snow. My questions is this:

Can I run around with the manual locking hubs in the "locked" position for an extended period of time? Or must I lock and unlock them each time?

My old 95 chevy was a 4X4 on the fly so I am unsure about the manual locking hubs. Everyone tells me they are better.

I just want to know if I can lock them, give the truck to my wife and have her drive around in the locked position for a couple of days (not always in 4 wheel drive).

[Dave]

yes you can do that. but you will loose a little fuel economy

[paineszj]

I drove my truck all winter last year with the hubs in the lock in position, I had about a 1-1.5 MPG drop. I had to leave mine locked in because they were seized up and didn’t want to turn. So I just installed Solid Axle Industries Lockout hub conversion on my truck and im relieved that I no longer have to fight my old stubborn uni-bearing hubs!

[Jesse.James]

i leave mine locked in all the time i guess for mpg sake i should turn'em out but i use them frequently. as long as you leave your transfer case in 2wd your fine, u just dont wasnt them pulling all the time.

[makaveli200369]

how does it work? I can go to 4x4 high on the fly...but how come it wont do it for 4x4 low from inside the cab? Thanks

[Dave]

Put the tranny in neutral the try it

[NCHornet]

Don't try and put the truck in 4 low while you are moving, you will grenade the TC real quick!! You need to be at a dead stop in N to go into 4 low. When I lived where it snowed a lot I kept my manual hubs locked in all winter, just shifted in and out with the short stick in the cab. Now I have auto hubs, I keep the hubs well lubed and now have them covered up with my new wheel center caps, as long as the ESOF system is working properly no need to turn the hubs manualy.

[makaveli200369]

So if you are at a dead stop in neutral with the locks in auto position can you go into 4 low? or do you have to have the hubs locked?

[NCHornet]

As long as the your auto hubs are working correctly, yeah all you need to do is move the switch to the 4 low position. If you pull down your visor there should be step by step directions if you forget while in the truck.

[LHMissions]

My truck has a vaccume leak somewhere - when I switch the dash mount into 4wd (with hubs on Auto) - the typical defrost blows and nothing happens for 4wd.

So until i get this fixed - can I leave my hubs in manual Lock and switch on the dash when I need 4wd then back out again?