Hello,

I'm new to this site.

I've just bought my first Ford.

It's a 1994 F150 4x4, 5.0, 5 speed.

It has the lever operated 4x4 system with auto hubs.

Currently, if you put it into 4x4, the light on the dash comes on, but the truck does not engage into 4 wheel drive.

I was told that my hubs may be "gummed up" due to lack of use.

Any ideas ?

Please advise...

Thanks.

 

I think your hubs are vacuum-actuated. Check the vacuum lines for leaks. My '92 had a brittle, cracked plastic vacuum line that affected some components.

If it's not the lines, maybe the hubs need to be rebuilt (new seals, etc - don't forget new bearings!)

 

Is the 4 wheel drive system vacuum-actuated when you have a floor mounted lever to engage ?

Please advise...

Thanks

 

If you have automatic hubs, they are vacuum actuated. The shifter that controls the transfer case is either manual (like yours) or electric (like mine).

Good luck!!

 

Actually, the auto-locking hubs on a '94 with a lever operated transfer case are not vacuum actuated, but instead are inertia -activated by the axle shafts which begin spinning when you engage 4x4 with the t-case lever. That is why with that setup your owners manual tells you that to engage 4x4 you should stop the vehicle, shift the lever into 4x4H or 4x4L, and then proceed. At that time the axle shafts will begin rotating, which will lock the hubs. To disengage 4x4, you should stop the vehicle, shift back to 2wd, back up 10 or 15 feet, then proceed forward. The backing up with the lever in 2wd will unlock the hubs.

I have heard that the auto hubs can get gummed up or stuck if seldom used, and that if you rarely go "true" 4wheeling, you should periodically use 4x4 on the nearest gravel road.

Sorry this doesn't help your current dilemma. Perhaps a disassembly and cleaning would help. Are you positive it is not engaging 4wd?

 

Firstf150
Those hubs are hard to take apart & you will probably find one busted-up. The auto-hub replacements are expensive. I had a set replaced in a '95 under warrenty-I think around $350. You might consider manuel lockers from an auto or 4x4 supply for a third the price.

 

redlariat is on the mark. the auto hubs are a big weakness for the model year. my '94 lost its hubs and so did my brother's '95. we both put in Warn manual hubs because they are a lot less money. also i was afraid the ford hubs would go out again.