Hi, I have a 1992 F150 2wd that I bought new. I recently bought a 1995 F150 4wd with manual front lockouts.

When jacked up the front wheel turns much harder on the 4wd than the '92.

My question then is if all things are equal, brake drag and bearing condition, is it normal for the front wheel on a 4wd to turn harder than a 2wd?

Thanks, Harold

 

Yes, to an extent. Do you see the drive axle turning when you spin the tire? If so, your lock out hubs aren't letting go.

 

Nope, U-Joint/axle is not turning. I was just wondering if the manual lockout plus what must be heavier bearings and seals on the 4wd produced any significant drag.

That said, I've had some pulsating on the front and checked the run out on the front left. 0.010" where the spec is 0.005 max. I tried to pry and loosen the pads and it did seem to help some.

Guess I'll need to study up on rotor replacement and see how they are afterwards.

Thanks for the response.

 

Sounds like you either have a stuck caliper and/or a bad brake hose on that side, what happens is the inner part of the hose will partially collapse creating a check valve of sorts, it will allow fluid in but restrict it going back when you release the brakes, the square cut seal in the caliper bore acts like a return spring and allows the caliper piston to retract a tiny bit when released, and if the caliper slides are binding from lack of lubrication/warpage can also be an issue.

Drag on the wheel should be minimal, compare the side of concern with the other side, they should be equal 4x or 2x.
.