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Can anyone tell me the benefits of locking your hubs in verses using it in atomatic lock? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]
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I believe it's mostly there as a backup in case the automatic thing fails (usually because of a vacuum leak of some sort, as they are vacuum-operated.) So, for instance if you were in some nasty muck and your vacuum hose at the wheel got yanked off and disappeared into the mud, you could lock the hubs in and still keep going. Other than the fact that it's going to confuse some people, I think it was a brilliant move on Ford's part to make the hubs have that feature.
On edit: oh yeah, and I think some people have historically complained that while plowing snow (back and forth, back and forth) that the hubs would drop out of engagement. This lets them put them in so they stay in while they're plowing.
Duncan
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The auto is for your wife [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] When in auto the 4X4 will not engage until it senses a slip. This can be a problem as you may be stuck at that point. The lock outs lock the front end solid and you now know you are in 4X4. It also does help with plowing as when you back up you disengage the front just to have it slam into 4X4 when you go forward. It is nice to know that when you are heading into something deep that you are going in in 4X4 and not waiting until the front is buried before the auto kicks in. A very vice feature.
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Some people are like Slinkys. They are good for nothing but still put a smile on your face when you push them down a flight of stairs. 2003 X Limited Ultimate, Mineral Grey Metalic. DVD, Limited Slip, Badged, Cab Lights, Magnaflow, Thule Rack, 3" Lift, T Prodigy, Air Bags, Edge Programer, XM Radio, Extreme sound system. 315/70/17s on AR Chrome/Aluminium.http://community.webshots.com/user/stellinm
I think that's inaccurate. The "Auto" typically engages within 35-60 feet depending on speed, road conditions etc. It is no different when locked in, than the "lock" mode on the hubs. The only difference is that your relying upon the vacuum being able to lock your hubs for you. With slippage the hubs don't automatically lock.
The Explorer ESOF system (and Expedition I believe) has an "Auto" mode that operates as you describe, and I believe some of the GM SUV's have it also, but the 4wd system on our X's is the good old part-time system. (Should only be used when slippage is available to prevent drivelien bind)
Have a good one,
Dave
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2002 Excursion Limited - 7.3 PSD, 4x4, Auto. Tekonsha Prodigy Controller. ISSPRO EV Gauges in A-Pillar mount. Diesel Turbo Lifesaver. Pre-pump Mod. SCMT-Trimode. AIC. Back Door storage bins. Banks 3 1/2 inch Monster Exhaust. AIS. "U-Code" Springs. Powerstroker Exhaust Brake. Husky Liners. Bilstein Shocks. ART Brakes, Helwig Rear Anti-swaybar. Zoodad Mod. Airlift Rear Airbags. Racor 3550 CCV. Forest River Wildcat 26FBS TT.
Dave is correct. The Automatic function just locks them in without getting out of the cab. However, you have to be moving for them to engage. The lock function, locks the hub in manually.
Hope this helps,
John [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]
Side question: My knob is hard to turn. Any secrets/hints? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]
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2000 Excursion Limited PSD 4X4 Dark Satin Green/Medium Parchmant Born 7/00 In-Service 10/00 All Factory Options except Transfer Skid Plate
Lube it up. I do mine every oil change. I've been using silicon spray with a "liquid wrench/wd40" type nozzle. The other thing to do is get in the habit of turning them to lock and back regularly. I try to do mine when fueling. The main problem is the gunk that builds up on the o-rings around the dial.
Regards,
Dave
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2002 Excursion Limited - 7.3 PSD, 4x4, Auto. Tekonsha Prodigy Controller. ISSPRO EV Gauges in A-Pillar mount. Diesel Turbo Lifesaver. Pre-pump Mod. SCMT-Trimode. AIC. Back Door storage bins. Banks 3 1/2 inch Monster Exhaust. AIS. "U-Code" Springs. Powerstroker Exhaust Brake. Husky Liners. Bilstein Shocks. ART Brakes, Helwig Rear Anti-swaybar. Zoodad Mod. Airlift Rear Airbags. Racor 3550 CCV. Forest River Wildcat 26FBS TT.
[ QUOTE ]
Lube it up. I do mine every oil change. I've been using silicon spray with a "liquid wrench/wd40" type nozzle. The other thing to do is get in the habit of turning them to lock and back regularly. I try to do mine when fueling. The main problem is the gunk that builds up on the o-rings around the dial.
Regards,
Dave
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Thanks Dave, Mine are "Frozen" I will lube a few times then move them but it is going to take more that my bare hand to do it.
Bruce
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I did mine this weekend. Finally got mine to turn. I had to put pliers on them. They still will not turn by hand. I will do as Joe M said and let Ford have a look at them next time it is in for warranty work.
John [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]
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2000 Excursion Limited PSD 4X4 Dark Satin Green/Medium Parchmant Born 7/00 In-Service 10/00 All Factory Options except Transfer Skid Plate
[ QUOTE ]
Lube it up. I do mine every oil change. I've been using silicon spray with a "liquid wrench/wd40" type nozzle. The other thing to do is get in the habit of turning them to lock and back regularly. I try to do mine when fueling. The main problem is the gunk that builds up on the o-rings around the dial.
Regards,
Dave
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Dave,
Where do you apply the lube?
Thanks,
Tom
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03 X XLT V10 4x4 White, Bilsteins, Ford 30mm rear swaybar
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