Thread: Strength Of 4X4 Systems When Towing

Back in the model year 1996 I built and ordered a F350 PSD 4X4 single rear wheel. As I recall, in that particular year, automatic locking hubs were "standard" and manual hubs were special order. I thought thats odd, I guess they have come a long way with that technology and Ford must feel confident in it. So I stayed with the standard auto hubs. When the truck arrived and I read the 96 owners manual, the booklet said that trucks used for heavy ranch/farm/commercial use should have the manual locking hubs for strength.---- A little late to find that out now I thought. Where was this important info when I was building the truck? And yes, I did brake the hubs pulling horses etc. into the back country.

When I ordered my 2001 F350 Dually 4X4 From Bobby I made sure I stayed with the (now standard again) manual hubs. Never had a problem with them.

Thinking now about 2011. I want my next 4X4 to work reliably towing max loads. What about these automatic/manual combo type hubs I think I see. I also see Shift on the Fly 4X4. ------ My neighbor complains about not being able to get her shift on the fly out of 4X4 mode often up here in Big Bear. ----- I do not want a repeat of the 96 order.

What is the strongest/reliable 4X4 setup going to be for the 2011 Super Duties? What are any common problems.

I didn't realize I had special order stuff on my '96.
Thanks for the info. :)

Originally Posted by Blanco

I didn't realize I had special order stuff on my '96.
Thanks for the info. :)

My son still has the 96 and it is just doing great. I do not think he has had any problem with the auto hubs himself. But he does not tow heavy loads in back country. ---- I guess most Super Duty users just use their 4X4's in non towing mud and snow.

I guess nobody has any heavy towing use info with the auto/manual newer hubs.

I would not worry about the strength of the system. I know quite a few guys that are running over 500HP in their trucks and they use 4 wheel drive at the drag strip and they hold up. A good set of Warns would be great, but dont worry. The system is plenty strong.

Originally Posted by mattymx

I would not worry about the strength of the system. I know quite a few guys that are running over 500HP in their trucks and they use 4 wheel drive at the drag strip and they hold up. A good set of Warns would be great, but dont worry. The system is plenty strong.

I guess I just don't get the reason then for this only available choice of the manual/auto hubs Matt. ---- If your in your cab, and you put your transfer case shifter into 4X4 mode, and the hubs automatically/immediately lock up in a strong reliable way, just as good as a manual twist, why in the world would anyone ever want to get out of the cab in who knows what conditions to manually lock up the hubs. ---- Makes no sense to me if the automatic mode always works reliably and strong. What is the need then for combo hubs?

Sometime when the vacuum pump goes out that engauges the hubs when you select 4x4 mode, it is nice to have the ability to lock the hubs so you dont get stuck. It happened to the EX in Havasu a few years ago but we could not get to the hubs to lock them because of the wheels had hub caps that blocked the dial. My new wheels solved that issue. Its all a back up system.