Question about locking the front hubs

[JeeperChris]

Ok, my CJ5 is not my first 4x4 but it is my first Jeep and it's the oldest of any trucks I've had. I'm learning a lot reading through all the threads here but I can't find anything on this one...

I understand all the mechanics of how things work in the question I'm about to ask so no issues there. Is it safe to lock the front hubs for Limited times (bad snow weather on the way to work or home) in case I get stuck? It would be great to be able to shift into 4H without getting out of the truck in this winter snow. Just want to know if it's ok or is there a binding issue somewhere?

Thanks
79, T-150 , Dana 20 , Dana 30 front axle.

 

[mtnwhlr]

It is safe to drive around with the hubs locked in 2wd. I have a friend who locks his hubs at the start of winter and doesn't unlock them until spring because he lives in the mountains and wants to be able to switch to 4wd when ever needed.

 

[caveman]

Agree

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[RiverandSand]

That's how I got the jeep home when I bought it, the PO had blown out the U joint and broke one of the saddles off of the rear diff. yoke.
Most modern 4x4s without locking hubs work more or less that way.

 

[JeeperChris]

Thanks! From a mechanical point of view it makes sense to me that it can be done but I had to make sure I wasn't missing something, didn't want to bind something up.

 

[Scout1067]

I was wondering that myself. The last 4x4 I drove with any regularity before I got my Jeep was a HMMWV in the Army.

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[jp360cj]

Just as a little background, up until at least the mid/late 70s, lockout hubs were an option on CJs. Standard they came with full time hubs that were always locked in. Being able to unlock just saves some fuel and wear and tear on the front gears.

 

[Posi]

^^^ this
Many of my past Jeeps had drive flanges (no lockout hubs).

 

[JeeperChris]

That's great information! I love this forum.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

OP, never-ever try to shift the t'case without the hubs locked.
Many folks that live in snow-country, leave the hubs locked in the winter.
LG

 

[JeeperChris]

Thanks Lumpy, that's what I'm going to start doing too.

It seems to me that it wouldn't do anything if the hubs were not locked. What happens?

 

[HackFabrication]

As others have posted, there's no problem with locking the front hubs and being in 2wd. Other than 'wear and tear' on the parts. I once owned a 1979 Ford Bronco, as my daily driver, that had locking hubs. The benefit to having them always locked in the winter is that sometimes they would freeze (snow/ice) and be a biotch to turn to the lock position. An ounce of prevention (or preparation) is worth a pound of cure....

On a side note, during summer conditions, it's still good to find a dirt/gravel road, and 'lock everything up'. This will keep the moving parts lubricated. And prevent the U-joints from 'freezing' due to rust.

 

[El Jeep o]

Thanks Lumpy, that's what I'm going to start doing too.

It seems to me that it wouldn't do anything if the hubs were not locked. What happens?

Yeah I'm also curious why you're not supposed to do that. I have also read in the owners manual not to do that. Too bad it was after I already did it.

 

[gr8dain]

Yeah I'm also curious why you're not supposed to do that. I have also read in the owners manual not to do that. Too bad it was after I already did it.

I have done it accidentally as well. Got stuck in some snow a couple of years ago. Thought I had already locked the hubs preciously. Nope. But shifted into 4H and nothing happened. Thought I had a failure in the t case until I saw the hubs unlocked. Doh!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

With the hubs locked-You can shift in and out of 4WD 'HI' while moving.
Shifting while moving with the hubs not locked, will bust the t'case gears.
Also-Even with the hubs locked, NEVER-EVER shift into lo-range unless you are FULLY stopped.
LG

 

[JeeperChris]

Yeah I didn't think the Jeep stuff was "shift on the fly" so I definitely won't be shifting while moving. I've read good things about my Transfer Case so I'd like to keep it a while..

 

[jp360cj]

Yeah I didn't think the Jeep stuff was "shift on the fly" so I definitely won't be shifting while moving. I've read good things about my Transfer Case so I'd like to keep it a while..

As long as the hubs are locked in, you can usually shift in and out of 4wd with no problems. Just apply slight pressure and don't force it.


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[mdeluca]

With the hubs locked-You can shift in and out of 4WD 'HI' while moving.
Shifting while moving with the hubs not locked, will bust the t'case gears.
Also-Even with the hubs locked, NEVER-EVER shift into lo-range unless you are FULLY stopped.
LG

I was reading this in my manual just last week... Thanks LG...!

With the hubs locked and while driving, does it matter if the T-5 is in gear while shifting into 4-Hi? I remember reading that the Transmission must be in neutral BEFORE shifting the Transfer Case . That might have just been for shifting into 4-Lo.

Could you clarify?

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Tranny in gear-Push clutch in.
Do this while going in a straight line.
This is for 4WD 'HI' only-Not for lo-range.
LG

 

[jay59l]

The manual even says to lock your hubs once in a while to spash gear oil around. Unless you have a spool up front it should drive fine with them locked in. You are just going to be "wearing" on things a little more.