Manually locking front hubs

[tony97gt]

I'm not too sure about this so I'm asking for clarification. If I lock my front hubs manually but the switch inside isn't set to 4x4 and it's on 2x4, what would happen? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to driving around this way?

[BIG Laing]

Originally Posted by tony97gt

I'm not too sure about this so I'm asking for clarification. If I lock my front hubs manually but the switch inside isn't set to 4x4 and it's on 2x4, what would happen? Is there any advantage or disadvantage to driving around this way?

If you lock in the hubs you will have more wear and tear, as well as a drop in MPG. There is no advantage that I know of, unless your in some real hairy driving conditions, and have it locked in to ensure 4wd when you need it.

[05_PSD_Erik]

Originally Posted by BIG Laing

If you lock in the hubs you will have more wear and tear, as well as a drop in MPG. There is no advantage that I know of, unless your in some real hairy driving conditions, and have it locked in to ensure 4wd when you need it.

X2 Unless you have a vacuum issue and the auto hubs do not engage, or you in a place where you are constantly in and out of 4x4, I would leave the hubs in auto.

[CountryAggie]

Originally Posted by 05_PSD_Erik

X2 Unless you have a vacuum issue and the auto hubs do not engage, or you in a place where you are constantly in and out of 4x4, I would leave the hubs in auto.

Or you have a stick on the floor and no auto hubs anyway...


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[kevinah]

I thought regardless of the switch, if you turn to lock, the front axles would be engaged. Isn't that the point? To override the vacuum?


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[ZMANN]

yes regardless of the switch position manual activation of the hub will engage the outer assemblies to the inner axleshafts and cause more parts to turn all the time

4x4 is still dependent on the dash switch and electronic activation of the transfer case

or a lever throw if manual transfer

I just make sue my auto hub system is good to go and leave it in "Auto" unless I am in snow country

[kevinah]

Oh ok, I misunderstood this a bit. Not to take away from the original question, what is the point of the hubs if actual front wheel engagement requires the turn of the switch?


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[PSDfreak]

Originally Posted by kevinah

Oh ok, I misunderstood this a bit. Not to take away from the original question, what is the point of the hubs if actual front wheel engagement requires the turn of the switch?


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The hubs lock your wheels to the front axle shafts. The manual switch on the hubs enables manual engagement of the hubs rather than relying on the vacuum pump to actuate and lock the hubs.

With the hubs locked manually and the switch in the cab in 2 wheel drive, all you're achieving is spinning the axle shafts and front drive shaft... The transfer case is just spinning not actually powering the front axle.


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[superdutydixie]

My auto lock stopped working...not sure why. So I put them in lock and left them there. But I'm in Alaska so I need 4x4 often. By leaving them locked, will I wear the hubs out fast doing this?

[BIG Laing]

Originally Posted by superdutydixie

My auto lock stopped working...not sure why. So I put them in lock and left them there. But I'm in Alaska so I need 4x4 often. By leaving them locked, will I wear the hubs out fast doing this?

Yes the hubs will wear out faster. 99% chance your auto locking hubs are not working because of a vacuum leak.

Do you also have sparratic vents? Example would be heat blowing through your defrost vents even though you have face/feet selected?