question about my 4x4 set up auto or manual???

[bears4x4]

On my new 05 f250 i have the switch on the dash for "auto" switch controlled 4x4, but i have manual hubs, all factory as i can tell but how would i know for sure?

 

[DaveBen]

Do your hubs say "Free" and "Lock" or "Auto" and "Lock", or what? If they are free and lock someone has changed the hubs and you will need to lock in the hubs before you might need the four wheel drive. I run my hubs locked for weeks at a time, if I use four wheel drive in my daily driving. Freeway too, it may hurt your mileage, but not the truck.

Dave

 

[airdrew99]

Do your hubs say "Free" and "Lock" or "Auto" and "Lock", or what? If they are free and lock someone has changed the hubs and you will need to lock in the hubs before you might need the four wheel drive. I run my hubs locked for weeks at a time, if I use four wheel drive in my daily driving. Freeway too, it may hurt your mileage, but not the truck.

Dave

For some reason, I thought driving around all the time with the hubs locked was bad for the truck. I guess it was just something I heard at one time. It turns the axles and driveshaft only, right?

 

[Dogman]

As long as the t-case is not locked in your alright. If you have the T-case lock and your on the hard road well there will be a problem...soon.

 

[dpantazis]

For some reason, I thought driving around all the time with the hubs locked was bad for the truck. I guess it was just something I heard at one time. It turns the axles and driveshaft only, right?[/QUOTE

It all depends. All the time, you are turning stuff that does not need to be turned. Part time- that is what its meant for.

In locked, you have engaged the stub axles from the hub to the pumpkin and then they will turn the front drive shaft up to the transfer case. You are using up energy to turn all that metal, and your mileage will drop noticeably.

I will manually lock mine if i know i might need 4x in stretch, or the night of a snowstorm ,etc.. but I will not leave them locked for much more than that.

 

[Dogman]

I lock mine in two or three times a year just to keep thing moving and lube. I did 400 plus miles with the hubs lock. I was running in a ice storm up north and just to have that extra traction if needed. Now saying that, I does change the way the truck steers. You cant turn as sharper with the hubs locked in. You will feel the steering jump in hard left and right locked turns. NOT good if you have different size tires in front and then in back.

 

[DaveBen]

I have been running my hubs locked in for three weeks. I am going along a dirt road in hilly country every day. I make sure I am on 2WD when I am on hard surfaces.

Dave