F450 - Page 4

Buddy Wallace · 08-24-2014, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

Not 100% sure, but I think GMs are electronic, not vacuum& they haven't had locking hubs since they got rid of the solid front axle I think.

I just exercised my F450 in low and high 4 wheel drive ( Actually 6 wheel drive). If your moving and you go to low the computer says to slow to 3 mph or put in neutral. The locking hubs stay disengaged for automatic. The hub locks are in case something malfunctions in your computer/vacuum you can still use them.

**Dave&Ginny** · 08-24-2014, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin' texans

Not 100% sure, but I think GMs are electronic, not vacuum& they haven't had locking hubs since they got rid of the solid front axle I think.

I always liked the hubs on the Chevy when I drove them. When I got my first Ford I was surprised to find the hubs. The hubs are automatic though so you don't have to get out in the snow and turn them like the old days.

atom ant · 08-24-2014, 04:12 PM

I took mine in and said the hubs weren't working on automatic (stuck in sand). He asked how I could tell and I said I don't get the "heaves" when turning on dry pavement when in 4WD. He told me there was a sensor that would kick them out of 4WD if the heaves start.

Anyway they said it was fine (Ford) but I still had to get out and lock them in that day in the sand. Anybody heard of that sensor?

Buddy Wallace · 08-24-2014, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atom ant

I took mine in and said the hubs weren't working on automatic (stuck in sand). He asked how I could tell and I said I don't get the "heaves" when turning on dry pavement when in 4WD. He told me there was a sensor that would kick them out of 4WD if the heaves start.

Anyway they said it was fine (Ford) but I still had to get out and lock them in that day in the sand. Anybody heard of that sensor?

I made three turns in the subdivision at low speed, I can feel the weird pull of the front tires, but no message and they did not kick out of 4WD.

atom ant · 08-24-2014, 04:25 PM

That's what I thought mine used to do when I bought it

**piper guy** · 08-24-2014, 04:41 PM

Brad - yours should be just like Buddy's. Mine is same. If I put it into 4wd on asphalt it will shudder on any turns. Normal for that type of front axle. It has minimal slip ability and that is why it should be used only in soft conditions or heavy rain.

Sound to me like your hubs aren't locking in automatically. Try locking the hubs manually and driving it. It won't hurt anything for a short around the block and if you are then in 4wd I would either take back to dealer and tell them you want your money back or find another shop that knows Fords and 4wd.

Just my .02

atom ant · 08-24-2014, 06:35 PM

Thanks Vaughan,

It does bind up when I use the hubs. So much for the sensor idea eh? That guy is gone as of last week - should have had it re-checked when I had it in last week for a $600 thermostat, which was actually covered under that pathetic extended warranty, sans any antifreeze or distilled water

. Cost $180. Dory says we have put more miles on this going to the Dealer 70 miles away than we have for vacation - so I think its time to start reconsidering our options.

As it is - I'm running down to the carwash today to get ready for a possible trade tomorrow.

lwg · 08-25-2014, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atom ant

I took mine in and said the hubs weren't working on automatic (stuck in sand). He asked how I could tell and I said I don't get the "heaves" when turning on dry pavement when in 4WD. He told me there was a sensor that would kick them out of 4WD if the heaves start.

Anyway they said it was fine (Ford) but I still had to get out and lock them in that day in the sand. Anybody heard of that sensor?

I call BS on that. These trucks aren't that sophisticated, especially the drive lines. You should absolutely get driveline binding (AKA shudder) when turning if 4WD is engaged. This might not be the case if you had an AWD option like some of the F-150's.

atom ant · 08-25-2014, 01:21 AM

I just tested it - and it does bind, so maybe they were right in the fact it was working when they drove it. Maybe it was sticking when I got it stuck in the sand and had to get out and manually hub it, I'm just not sure, but seems to be working now.

johnboytoo · 08-25-2014, 01:35 PM

Why they've always said - switch to 4x4 BEFORE you need it

cuz with all of my ford 4x4's it takes a roll or two of the front end for the 4x4 to engage...

heck, with the dial it's easy to turn it off if you don't need it ....

Buddy Wallace · 08-25-2014, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atom ant

I just tested it - and it does bind, so maybe they were right in the fact it was working when they drove it. Maybe it was sticking when I got it stuck in the sand and had to get out and manually hub it, I'm just not sure, but seems to be working now.

Good deal, that saved a lot of money not having to buy a new truck. You should get a lot more years out of it.

atom ant · 08-25-2014, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddy Wallace

Good deal, that saved a lot of money not having to buy a new truck. You should get a lot more years out of it.

Oh that didn't save this truck!

spindrift · 08-25-2014, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave&Ginny

The only downfall for me is the 430 gears. I just drive too fast. I'd be afraid of the fuel mileage and wrapping out the gears. After I fully retire I'll slow down but right now when I travel.... I've got places to go and people to see.

It's time for you to check out Gear Vendors.

atom ant · 08-25-2014, 07:58 PM

Who was that contact at Wood House?

5th_Time · 08-26-2014, 12:50 AM

This reminds me of the pickup owners (mostly kids) who put those huge wheels & tires on their trucks, but that drops the effective gear ratio dramatically.
Is it possible that Ford offers that option because instead of 3.73 w/17" wheels they offer the 4.30:1 to go with the 19" wheels?