locking hubs

[nitestalker]

Please help. How can I tell if my hubs are locking? In 2wd my 4lo light is always on. When I push button for 4wd my light comes on but I dont feel them engage. How can I tell if its always in 4wd. My ride seems like its a little slow ( holding back) kinda like the hubs are locked in. When I push button I hear the motor in back click like it engaged but I dont know.

 

[Redrig]

Jack it up and see how many wheels are turning or just take it out in some sloppy stuff and hammer it.

 

[glfredrick]

Please also read your factory owners manual so that you know the proper way to engage and disengage the hubs. You have to back up for a bit after shifting out of 4x4 to disengage the hubs.

I recommend changing out to manual hubs. You can still lock them in ahead of time in bad weather, then push the button when you need it, and they work first time - all the time.

 

[jgilbs]

if you have both manuals locked in, doesnt that present the same problems as with autos - ie when turning, your wheels bind?

 

[glfredrick]

When in 4x4, yes. All hubs do that.

In 2 x 4 with the hubs locked in, no. Unless you have a front locker and don't know it, or there is something wrong with your spider gears, you should be able to run around with the hubs locked in with no problem, long as you are not supplying power to the axles.

The auto hubs are notorious for failing.

 

[jgilbs]

ahh gotcha. yea, my hubs work pretty well right now (knock on wood) and when i repacked my bearings there was no grease or anything in them, so hopefully theyll be good for quite some time.

 

[ahhjaws]

Just beware, they WILL fail when you need them. I learned that the hard way.

 

[Redrig]

Just beware, they WILL fail when you need them. I learned that the hard way.

Hes right, mine did also.

 

[glfredrick]

Just beware, they WILL fail when you need them. I learned that the hard way.

What he said ^^^^^

They fail when you put power to them, for just driving around on slippery surfaces, they seem to work out pretty well, but first time you really get on it all you'll get is CLICK - CLICK - CLICK - DANG... :fire:

 

[nitestalker]

thanks for the help

 

[old mechanic]

Just beware, they WILL fail when you need them. I learned that the hard way.

YUP! True words.