Now that the 4x4 is working...

[maroon93limited]

I noticed that the front hubs sound "dry", for lack of a better term. After not being engaged for nearly 2 years should I change the transfer case oil and front diff fluid? I need to do the front brakes so re-packing the bearings and soaking the auto hub pieces in ATF is in order, but after not being used for so long, is there anything in the 4x4 system I should take a good look at?

And yes, I'll probably switch to manual hubs eventually, but the autos are working just fine for now.

 

[Roadrunner777]

The front diff and tc case are pretty far out on the factory maintenance schedule. If you have ever changed them, they are surely ok (assuming you have not submerged them). If you have never changed them, then I would do it.

The TC spec is Mercon... which is no longer sold except old stock at dealerships. The new Ford recommended fluid is Mercon V. I just changed mine, assuming I will not have to do it again, and used Royal Purple Synchromax. That's a little bit over-kill for this TC, but I believe it is good practice to splurge on vehicles and spouses from time to time.

The front diff is 75W-140, or some people like 75W-90. There is no drain on the front diff, you will have to use a suction pump to remove the old fluid.

Most everything else you might check is just a matter of philosophy. If you like turning wrenches, then I would pull off the spindles, change spindle bearing axles seales, etc... and physically move and test the u joints for seizure or play.

 

[DeRocha]

HUBs and U-joints are the highest wear items in the front end. U-joints typically last 100K miles or so before they start going bad. U-joints go bad when their seals dry out allowing the grease to escape and moisture to enter. Once this happens the needle bearings within the U-joint caps rust out and grind themselves to a powdery mess. Unfortunately its a lot of work to remove all the parts to just get to the U-joints. As such if you have to replace them, its best (IMO) to replace everything while you have it apart (U-joints, Ball-Joints, Wheel Bearings, Spindle Bearings, Seals: (Axle, Spindle, wheel), and tie rods.. then get an Alignment and you've got a practically new front end..