ronan

Hi. I recently bought a 1996 f150 6cyl 4x4. This is my first pickup truck. I bought it for utility but it's ending up being my favorite vehicle ever.

The only problem is that the 4x4 does not work. When I shift into 4WD the front propeller shaft turns but not the wheels and only the right rear tire spins (in the mud). My brother in law has rescued me twice with his Honda CRV! pretty sad...

I'm taking it in to a mechanic but I would like to be armed with any information that could help. One person suggested putting manual lock hubs on..

Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

fordtrucknut

all you have to do is put on a pair of manual locking hubs, and you'll be fine if your front drive shafts are spinging. i had the same problem with my 92 when i got it. the auto ones were not working.
you can also go to the dealer and get a new set of auto's if you want but they are big money.

ford fan

A honda crv pulled you out of mud? I have seen the diameter of the rear drive axles on the road before, they look to be the same diameter as a 3/8 extension. That is scary they look weak as is, without pulling a 1/2 ton truck out of mud.

J DUB

i actually tried to use a crv axle in place of a 3/8 extention i lost...twisted it clean in two

mitchalvin

Do you have manual or auto locking hubs, I have seen allot of new owners that are use to the totally automatic systems that do not realize you might have to lock the front hubs in.

ronan

Thanks. I'll double check but I'm pretty sure they are auto locking

turbojimmy

I have a similarly newb-ish follow-up question:

I just bought a '95 4x4. The previous owner ditched the auto locking hubs (I assume they went bad) in favor of WARN manual hubs. If the transfer case isn't in 4WD, what's the harm in driving around with the hubs locked? That way I can go to 4WD when I need it without getting out to lock the hubs. I assume, however, there's a reason hubs lock and unlock.

My last 4WD vehicle was an Explorer, which was "ControlTrac" AWD so there were no hubs to mess with.

Jim

F150s Man

Had the same problem with my 96, and i was stuck in the snow and walked home! The problem with the automatic hubs is the three lugs inside that are designed to lock in the 4x4 while in motion. Over time they break, thus leaving your stranded! So i talked to the local dealer, they wanted 800 dollars to replace the automatics. I bought a the warn manual locking hubs with the adapter kit for 120 total! Plus you know you can always rely on the warn hubs! Another recommendation is to replace the bearings while your at it, Its fairly simple, also if your going to do it yourself you'll need a spindle nut socket which you can buy at any auto parts store for about $15-$17 depending on where ya go. I did it without one using a hammer and screwdriver, but ive since purchased the socket. Let me know if you have any other questions! Good Luck!

Just call me Sean

iTrader: (1)

When the hubs are locked in and you are in 2 wheel drive the axles and driveshaft spin. Unlocking the hubs disengages the axles which in turn stops the driveshaft from spinning. This saves wear on these items and increases fuel economy.

mitchalvin

That being said it is a good idea to run for at least 15 minutes a month down the highway to heat up the front axle and expel any moisture that has condensed in the axles. I have found that I only loose about 1 to 1.5 miles per gallon leaving the hubs locked in during the winter. Do not run with one hub unlocked and the other locked in because it turns the differential side gears without splashing oil on them from the ring gear, it also causes the insides of the hubs to wear out faster.