Question Manual an Auto locking hubs

[Frederex]

I have a question for the pros....I have a 2000 Ford f350 crewcab dually 4wd.....having to replace the locking hubs because the existing ones will not disengage when rotating the lock on the hub.....looking at replacements and some are for manual and some are for auto....I have a switch on the dash to engage the 4wd, but do not have any vacuum line or actuator at the hub....what is the difference in the manual and the auto advertized in the ads for replacements??

 

[DaveBen]

I am not sure what options you have. I am assuming you have a Shift On The Fly four wheel system. It seems that the vacuum operated auto-hubs were disconnected for a vacuum leak (common) and the auto-hubs were not replaced. You can use manual hubs if you do not shift the transfer case first (I think) and manually lock the hubs. You can lock the hubs and drive around all you like. This may reduce your fuel mileage a little but it will not hurt the truck. I do it for most of the winter for the muddy roads I travel. If you want the auto-hubs, you will have to replace the vacuum lines going to the hub assembly. You might fill out your signature and add the options you have on the truck.

Dave

 

[Frederex]

I am not sure what options you have. I am assuming you have a Shift On The Fly four wheel system. It seems that the vacuum operated auto-hubs were disconnected for a vacuum leak (common) and the auto-hubs were not replaced. You can use manual hubs if you do not shift the transfer case first (I think) and manually lock the hubs. You can lock the hubs and drive around all you like. This may reduce your fuel mileage a little but it will not hurt the truck. I do it for most of the winter for the muddy roads I travel. If you want the auto-hubs, you will have to replace the vacuum lines going to the hub assembly. You might fill out your signature and add the options you have on the truck



Dave

Mine doesn't have vacuum actuators at the hubs....only a vent tube for the bearing assembly.... I'm pretty sure they are manual....I noticed that the manual hubs are more expensive....sounds like my luck

updated my sig....I'm a first timer on this forum, so work with me

 

[DaveBen]

I am trying to work with you, so lets continue. ESOF (Electronic Shift On the Fly) is a dash actuated four wheel drive system. You just push a button or flip a switch and you have four wheel drive. I suspect the 'vent' hole is where the vacuum hose would go. There are no vents in the hubs, as they are made to go under water and keep going. I have been playing the 4X4 game since 1969 so I am familiar with these trucks. I have owner four 4X4 Ford trucks and none of them had the ESOF system. When you NEED four wheel drive, I prefer the Manual Hubs and a lever on the floor to shift the transfer case. Much less to go wrong when you need it most, but that is my opinion.

Dave