I've have a 2000 F350, And have hade problems with the lock outs and U-joints sticking causing expensive repair to the spindle gears and replacements of same. This has happened two years in a row. What happens is the lockout or u-joints stick causing the axle to freeze up.It also happens after the 12,000 mile warranty on the work is up.But two years in a row now. Is there anybody else having problems like this? I'm in contact with Ford customer relations and hopefully will get some of the money back.But am not looking forward to a $1000.00 plus bill next year.

 

Hello Jeff and welcome to FTE

By front lockouts sticking do you mean that they stay locked in when they should not be or that the axle freezes up (as in will not turn as it should?) By "spindle gears" are you refering to the splines on the axles where they extend through the spindles into the locking hubs? I'm not aware of any gears other than the ones inside the diff (ring, pinion, spider and side gears) I'm not sure what exactly you're describing. You should be able to drive with the lockouts locked without damaging anything. Perhaps you could be a bit more descriptive. People on this board know everything there is to know about the Dana model 50 front axle in your truck and could undoubtedly help.

 

This a common problem with auto and manual locking hubs .the main cause is dirt and crud getting in the hub /via bad o-ring seals.

also if you do alot of forging of streams or run in the sand all the time its a common maitenance practice to clean them regularly.

What happens is they stick and wear out the front
spindle bearings and the axle shaft bearings and also wear the spyder gears in the front diff..

I wouldn't expect Ford to help with the bill unless
your still under warranty

Rich

 

I have been told by those who have owned Ford 4x4's that we should rotate the front hub locks on a WEEKLY basis and check for tightness or binding. If you have that, its time to clean them up. Also, it can improve mpg if you leave them in the unlocked position. (not so sure on that one but.... I do it anyway...)

AS far as Ford payng for repairs, don't count on it as it was described above unless under warranty.

 

OK, I'll make an effort to rotate the lockouts and exercise the the 4x4 weekly. How do you recommend cleanig if I do feel resistance or binding ? No rough four wheeling ever or river forging. I do live on a dirt road. Thats about it.

 

I still don't understand the Q. Or the A's

 

The question is other than engaging the lock-outs weekly, What can I do to maintain the front axle and ensure that I don't have any more problems with the front end?

 

What are lockouts? the locking hubs? what are spindle gears? What spindle? We have to comunicate on the same field or I can't help you. Do you have auto hubs or manual hubs you have to get the lingo correct..

The four wheel drive should be used once a month minimum for 20 mins. Pick a rainy day.

 

Why?

 

You use a rainy day so you have a little give on the drive train binding.less wear and strain on the components involved.

The main problem is the front hubs get dirt and crud in them ,then they don't release the front axles .It can be just one side so you won't feel it,when turning because the other side may be released.Therefore if one side sticks and the axle shaft is spinning on that side the spyders are and the hub bearings are also. This causes premature wear on these components.

Hope you understand

Rich

 

I understand the purpose Rich. You just lock the hubs in not actually put the truck in 4x4 on pavement wet or otherwise don't you??

I've always done that to lube the front drivetrain but there's no reason for the truck to be in 4x4 when you have the hubs locked. If it's not in 4x4 then it doesn't matter if it's dry or wet, there is no binding unless you have a spool in the front diff.

 

Some people with auto hubs just like to push a button. RRMIKE I agree with you locking the hubs once in a while will lube the parts and keep things fluid....I just got rid of the stock hubs cause I don't need any problems..Fortyfords what do you mean hub bearings? You mean the wheel bearing it always turns anyway when you are moving anyhow 4wd or 2wd.
The only reason I'm being so picky is I just did my ball joints and locker install so I know every part and where it goes in there

Dick