I have a 99 Ford Super Duty with manual lockout hubs. Does it hurt it to drive it with the hubs locked in when it is not in 4WD? I do it sometimes when I might need 4WD at some point that day but don't want to get out of the truck in the snow and muck in my nicer clothes.

-- Debbie in MO (risingwind@socket.net), March 02, 2002

Answers

We have a 2000 F550 4x4 and when on the farm we leave the hubs locked in for days on end. The only problem I have found is when turning a corner its just like its in 4x4. In the past we have had many 4x4s and only took out the ones with electronic shift on the fly when not in use. When traveling on the road we take it out of 4x4 if over 40 miles or so(if I think of it).

God Bless

-- Charles Steen (xbeeman412@aol.com), March 02, 2002.

My Suburban had to be switched to manual lockouts and I drive it like you do with no problems. The only difference is in the handling - it is like in 4x4 and your gas mileage will go down.

If I am driving in potentially bad conditions, I would rather be able to get into 4x4 asap.

-- beckie (none@this.time), March 02, 2002.

i wouldnt do it on the highway but on the dirt roads it shouldnt be a problem you just put a little more wear on your front 4x parts and some of them dont recomend running that fast in 4 wheel the front ends on some are not designed for high speed use. I have seen a front diff shelled out real bad from someone running 65 with the front end locked in. not saying yours will its alot newer then the one im talking about. but the less you have moving the less wear and tear on your front end and better fuel economy

-- MikeinKS (mhonk@kscable.com), March 02, 2002.

Hi; This was asked not long ago.Newer jeeps (I own one) have hubs that are always locked.I would have to install manual hubs to be able to unlock them.It just causes extra drag and wear,no damage at all. regards

-- ourfarm (ourfarm@noaddr.com), March 02, 2002.

Actually most manufacturers suggest you lock 'em every once in a while and drive around. It keeps the front bearings lubricated.

The only reason you would disengage them would be to reduce axle drag which impacts mileage. You can keep 'em locked all the time and it wouldn't hurt ('cept your miles/gallon)

I have a few 4WDs, include a Jeep CJ & TJ. The TJs are the newest models which come w/o locking hubs. Their design (rip-off of Warn's Lock-o-Matics) is supposed to let the alxe rest when in 2WD, but their is enough drag that the axle does spin some. Good Thing, cause that is how I realized a had a bad bearing in my front D/S (I gotta stay out of the mud).

Best,

-- Rudy (rbakker@wcrtc.net), March 02, 2002.

Ever hear of an owners manual? It's the book in the glove comparment of your truck that tells you about the operation of your truck. If you don't have one ask the service manager at your dealership. With all the different 4 wheel drive systems out there it's best to get the straight skinny from them. It's expensive to fix em if they get torn up.

-- S.A. (smartas-@hotmail.com), March 02, 2002.

With the hubs locked in and the transfer case in 2WD you're turning not only your front wheels, but also your front axle, front differential and front drive shaft. Obviously, you'll suffer in mileage because of that. With the hubs locked out, you're only turning your wheels. I've been in the truck business 25 years and my advice would be to leave them locked in if there's a chance you'll need 4WD. Very few things are less fun than getting out of a warm cab to try to lock in your hubs. It's at that moment you'll wonder why you worried about saving a couple bucks at the pump. I hope this helps.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), March 04, 2002.