Manual locking hubs and 4wd

[tristram77]

I have manual locking hubs and the push button 4WD. Now it is my understanding that i can drive around town with the 4wd engaged and the hubs unlocked and all that will happen is i will waste gass and experience the normal wear and tear on the 4wd system.

If i am driving around with the hubs locked i can burn them out.

Is this correct.

Not that i am going to do either but i am just curious. thanks

 

[TPLYNCH]

Actually, you can lock the hubs w/o being in 4x4 - won't burn them out. just causes extra drag, so I wouldn't leave them locked 24/7. This way you don't have to get out during the middle of a snowstorm to lock the hubs. You can lock them if you think you might need 4x4 and then all you have to do is push the button if you need it.

 

[crossman]

If you lock the front hubs and drive around in 2wd, then you will be driving around with the front end locked and spinning. I too have manual hubs on my Sport and during the winter, I usually have my hubs locked for a few weeks or so, because my road is really bad, yet I don't need 4x4 all the time. I haven't noticed any problems, except for using more gas. My dad does the same thing on his 4x4 F150 and has encountered no problems.

I'm not sure what will happen if you drive around in 4x4 without locking the hubs.

 

[Byrd91]

Both replies are correct. You can convieniently lock your hubs before you get in your car if you expect you might need 4x4. All that is will do is reduce gas mileage and wear the front end normally, no extra strain. Then just push the button, even on the fly (below 45 MPH I think) and you'll be in 4x4. I tried it on the fly and it is actually much quicker and smoother than the auto hubs were because the front driveline was already turning. Putting it in 4x4 without the hubs locked in will not hurt anything, but it sure won't help, because without the hubs locked you're not going to be in 4x4.