New tractor hauler

[fred goodrich]

Should pull a trailer but do I really have to get out and lock the hubs in?

 

[NYOlivers]

Yep you do! And at the worst possible time "like when you really need 4x4". But lets keep using 1940's/50's technology. Oh ya it's a blue oval I forgot..
 

[NYOlivers]

Wait: the best part of that system. Lets run a vacuum line to the hubs to engage them... Another great idea.
 

[KCTractors]

Nice truck, I drive a GMC, but there is nothing wrong with a Ford. I really like that 8Ft box.
 

[Destroked 450]

I have Chevy, Dodge, Ford 4x4 trucks.
The vacuum operated CAD system in the Chevy and Dodge have both left me spinning my wheels when it failed to engage, I believe the new F-150 uses something similar today.
I've also seen the electric or vacuum controlled transfer case shift mechanisms fail.

When I lock the hubs in and pull the lever on that mechanically shifted transfer case I know it's in 4 wheel drive and don't have to wonder if the CAD joint engaged.

Waiting till your stuck to lock the hubs in is kinda like waiting till your soaking wet before putting on you rain coat, a little common since goes a long way.

I lock the hubs in on my Ford at the first sign of snowy weather and they stay locked in till spring.
During the summer when moving rolls of hay off the fields I lock the hubs while hooking up the trailer and unlock them when I unhook.
Only takes a moment to lock in the hubs before you pull off the road.

Like our old tractors, sometimes old technology isn't as convenient, but it's a lot more dependable.
 

[showcrop]

One time at a tractor pull the skies opened up and both the track and the parking area soon turned to soup. Before I turned a wheel I not only locked my hubs but got a JD G hooked onto the front.
 

[VicS]

No you don't. The hubs are automatic. But they can be locked. Two positions auto and lock. On ice they will unlock with no load. And you can't rock it when stuck. They will release then lock. Kinda hard on things. All in all. The best 4x4 out there. I've just had 4 new ones since 1975. Think current 2016 F250 4x4 crew cab will last me out.
 

[DR. EVIL]

SON had an '06 F-150 that the frt driving axle would maybe work a quarter of the time. The vacuum engaging system was JUNK! Parts to correct it were almost $1000. He traded it three years ago for a brand new '14 Ram 2500 CTD. No vacuum operated BS on the Ram I think.

My '96 F-250 is manual locking hubs, manual shifting T-case and manual 5-speed trans. I had two F-150's with the same systems except 4-speeds. Put over half a million miles on them over 38 years and NEVER had one fail to engage 4wd when needed. Engage the hubs before I back out of the shop, engage T-case as I need 4wd. When I disengage hubs depends on where I'm going and how soon I may need 4wd again.

It's called the KISS principle, "Keep It Simple Stupid!"
 

[RobCons]

Years ago I drove 4wd trucks when I worked for the state. Manual hubs are the way to go.
 

[Destroked 450]

Dodge Ram has had the vacuum controlled CAD (central axle disconnect) since the 80's.
 

[Anthony]

Lots of mention of 4wd failing to engage. How about failure to DIS-engage?

My 2008 Chevy 3500 has mechanical transfer shift on the floor but it seems front wheels scuff a little when turning, even when in 2wd. Will have to check out. What should I do, make a marks on axle shafts and be sure they are not rotating?

Question: What current makes & models of new pickups are available factory order with manual lock hubs, manual transfer case, and/or both together?
 

[Keith Molden]

My 2011 F250 I can manually unlock them but if I leave them locked, I just have to turn the switch on the dash to 4x4 high while under 60 mph or if it's really bad stop put it in neutral and turn the knob to 4x4 low. If I pull out on the shift knob it will lock the rear differential. I've never had a problem with it since it was new.
 

[kcm.MN]

I watched a video some months ago that showed a really neat modification -- owner was having a problem with the vacuum not shifting into or out of 4wd, so they went a different route. They removed the vacuum setup completely and put in a made-for-this-purpose cable that runs up to the cab. When you want 4wd, it'll shift and you'll "know" it shifts. When you want out, you "know" it's out. You can engage/disengage while moving or sitting still. It's a positive on/positive off system.

Our 2004 Chevy with the push-button stuff has been working great for us so far. It's from the deep south, so never saw any road salt of corrosion. As soon as we have problems with the vacuum transfer, I'll be switching to this other system. ...How's the old saying go, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Well, it ain't broke so far, so.....

Ah, found the video again. Look here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmAq7v93mjE
 

[jon f mn]

Mine are manual hubs and the only time I unlock them is if I'm going on a long riad trip. I use 4x4 regularly going in and out of fields and sich so they stay locked 90% of the time.
 

[john in la]

The real question is can you find a parking spot that it will fit in.