Dont do it- Ford auto hubs SUCK!!!!!!!

 

The only thing "automatic" about "auto" hubs, is that they will "automatically" fail sooner or later. And it will likely be when you need them to be working.

Most Superduty trucks come with "Auto" hubs from the factory. If there are manual hubs on now, there is likely a reason.

 

Looking at a fellow co-workers' manual (factory) hubs, it appears the vacuum ports are in place and capped. Yours should be the same. Personally, I do not like the auto hubs, as they are very (in my opinion) high maintenance. If you really want auto hubs, I'd check with Ford to verify the inner seals are the same, and if they are, you should be able to add the reservoir (if you don't have one), and install the vac lines. Not sure if your dash selector would support the hub selector/vacuum control assembly (mounted on the fender)...might check with the dealer to see if they are the same. I recently swapped mine out to manual ones, so if you really do want the factory (in my opinion poo-poo) units, I would be happy to sell you the one new one (installed 2 months ago), one working used one (O.E.) and one in parts/pieces, as well as the vacuum controller...PM me if you do want them. Jim

 

if you want to know what hte auto hubs are like, spin the left front hub to "free" or unlock, put duct tape over it, and go 4 wheeling.

When you are tired of the auto hubs, remove teh duct tape.

there is a reason most of the new trucks are sold with manual hubs.

The auto hubs are sold to those people who don't have buddies that owned auto hubs.

 

When I ordered my truck I made sure I got the manual hubs. I've never had a problem. Been there done that with autos.

The only downfall is the shift lever on the floor. But I made a custom lever that eliminates having to bend down to shift, and eliminates getting in the way of a passenger sitting or sliding through. It's just as easy to "shift on the fly" with the lever as it is the knob. And much more positive. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

I have always had manual hubs on my truck. I have just changed them from factory -- they were getting stiff and when pulled off they were full of corrosion -- why do most factory components suck -- anyway to make a long story short -- put on an set of warn hubs on -- do they work slick -- easy to turn -- good handle -- I now wish I had replaced the factory ones from "day one"

 

manual & auto hub locks will swap no problem you just need to get the right vacumm to the capped port on the back of theknuckle to make them work when you want.

 

I'm about to replace the seals in my hubs (ESOF 4wd works when locked, not in auto). The hubs were replaced about 70K ago, should I just install new hubs along with the main seal? What is the downside of running manual hubs locked all the time?

 

When my "auto" hubs failed, I replaced them with Warn Premium manual hubs. A simple 1/2 hour job. Now I lock the hubs when it's going to snow, and use the ESOF switch on the dash to go in and out of 4WD. Sometimes I leave the front hubs locked for weeks at a time. Been doing that for 3-4 years now.

 

The downside is that your front drivetrain is always spinning, adding drag, wearing the universals, seals and diff gears, and lowers mpg.

The ability to quickly shift into 4high with the hubs already locked could be worth it in some situations.

 

Like said earlier more rotating mass wear and tear. I used to live in Maine and would leave the hubs locked for months at a time. If taking a long trip and roads were dry I'd take them out first (save fuel). Now I am in Maryland and havn't seen any snow to compare to Maine yet but I will still throw the hubs in when it rains. Some of these roads get pretty slick and it sure makes it easier to pull away from a stop light to just pull that lever into 4 wheel. Then take them out the next day.