Auto locking hubs question

[83K5fullsize]

Looking for a little input. I have a 2001 Ford F250 Crew 4x4 with the auto locking hubs on it and electronic switch 4wd. The hubs have an auto and a lock position on them. 4wd works in both positions. What is the difference between the 2 hub positions ?

I bought the truck from a friend of mine a while back and nether he or I ever moved them from the auto position and they are froze in that position, which they are I guess famous for doing. You can't turn the hub adjuster. I've noticed that when I turn tight ether direction a crabing sensation like the 4wd is engaging. I'm wondering how this can be. I had it to a dealer to look at & they said the hubs need to be replaced to the tune of $700+ and that they are engaging when turning tight.

Any one know these hubs & what makes them do this ? Anyway to fix it ?

I've heard of people just replacing the auto hub with a manual set of Warns. I've never had the stock auto hubs apart to see exactly whats needed to convirt to the Warns. Anyone done this that could give me some input ?

[frdboy]

Originally Posted by 83K5fullsize

Looking for a little input. I have a 2001 Ford F250 Crew 4x4 with the auto locking hubs on it and electronic switch 4wd. The hubs have an auto and a lock position on them. 4wd works in both positions. What is the difference between the 2 hub positions ?

I bought the truck from a friend of mine a while back and nether he or I ever moved them from the auto position and they are froze in that position, which they are I guess famous for doing. You can't turn the hub adjuster. I've noticed that when I turn tight ether direction a crabing sensation like the 4wd is engaging. I'm wondering how this can be. I had it to a dealer to look at & they said the hubs need to be replaced to the tune of $700+ and that they are engaging when turning tight.

Any one know these hubs & what makes them do this ? Anyway to fix it ?

I've heard of people just replacing the auto hub with a manual set of Warns. I've never had the stock auto hubs apart to see exactly whats needed to convirt to the Warns. Anyone done this that could give me some input ?

The difference between the auto position and lock position is when in auto position the hubs are supposed to unlock from the axles. In the lock position they are always locked. Ford did this so if the auto sys. failed to lock the hubs you could manually turn and lock them. The problem is that dirt, water and everything else gets inside them and they become impossible to turn and won't unlock when they are supposed to.

They can be taken apart and cleaned sometimes, if you search the forums at www.thedieselstop.com you can find instructions on how to do this.

If they won't turn now it is probably too late to clean them and would be best to replace them. You have two choices, Dealer$$ or Warn makes a manual hub kit for these trucks. Converting them over is fairly straight-forward and probably the best bet if the truck is going to get wheeled often. If you buy the Warn premium or "gold" ones I believe they have a lifetime warranty.

One last thing, you should check your axle joints, because a stiff or bad axle joint can cause hub problems.

Good luck,

Adam

[83K5fullsize]

Adam,

Great info - thanks !

Drew