DO's and DONT's of Locking Hubs

[mike.germann]

Hey everybody. Need some advice.

When do you use lock the hubs? and how do they work? Are they only for off-road use?

I've researched it online, but am still a little confused. Usually I figure things out on my own, but I don't want to just start playin' with stuff.

DO's and DONT's of locking your hubs...

 

[rammertide07]

From what I've read on here:

Only lock them in when you plan on needing them. Don't drive with them in the lock position 24/7. When you do engage the 4x4 make sure your truck is in neutral. When in 4x4 high...don't exceed 55mph.

 

[mike.germann]

thanks. i still don't quite understand. how can i drive with them engaged at all? When I lock them, the steering wheel doesn't move.

As far as 4WD goes: do i need to lock my hubs in order to have 4wd?

 

[rammertide07]

Yes...the hubs is what connects the wheels to the axle. When the hubs are un-locked, the wheels spin freely of the axle. If you are in 4x4 with the hubs un-locked, then the front axle will never be able to get the torque to the wheels. It is a little bit tougher to turn the steering wheel when the truck is in 4x4. It wouldn't hurt to have the 4x4 and differential serviced if it hasn't been done since you've owned it.

 

[mike.germann]

Alright thanks man. That's a good starting point.

I also heard that I could just lock one hub, to make steering a little easier. Going from what I read in your last replay, I think that would technically make the truck 3wd, not quite 4wd... because 3 out of the 4 wheels would be getting torque, while the other wheel would still be un-locked.

Is that an accurate statement...? Would it hurt anything to do that?

 

[rammertide07]

Alright thanks man. That's a good starting point.

I also heard that I could just lock one hub, to make steering a little easier. Going from what I read in your last replay, I think that would technically make the truck 3wd, not quite 4wd... because 3 out of the 4 wheels would be getting torque, while the other wheel would still be un-locked.

Is that an accurate statement...? Would it hurt anything to do that?

Yes sir...as far as hurting anything I don't see how it would but somebody else may say differently

 

[atk]

locking one hub is pointless. you will need to lock both hubs to have 4wd to work(unless you have a locking front differential)....as for having them locked, not necessary all the time, especially when cruising down interstate....what do you meen steering doesn`t turn when they are locked????

 

[mike.germann]

I do have a locking front differential. Detroit.

As far as the steering, I've only locked my hubs once. I wasn't able to move the steering wheel much after rolling a few feet forward. I didn't put much 'oompf' into the turn, because I wasn't sure if the steering wheel resistance was normal, so I just got out an unlocked the hubs.

Without being certain, I decided to skip the whole idea.

 

[f100cleveland]

If you have a detroit locker it will unlock but will take some resistance turning and you should hear a pop or snap when it unlocks. They are noisey and you think something broke but it's normal. As for staying under 55mph guys drag race in 4 wheel drive and drive down interstates at speed when slippery, so I think you'll be allright and don't have to unlock unless you will be driving for long distances in 4 wheel on dry hard surfaces.

 

[6.0PSD777]

I lock mine in periodically during the summer to keep the u-joints and stuff from seizing up. Good to get everything moving now and then.