When should you manually lock your hubs?

Lock them as needed for 4WD operation (doesn’t matter whether you lock them before you shift into 4WD or right after) and unlock them when going back to 2WD (again, doesn’t matter whether you unlock them before shifting out of 4WD or right after). Leaving them locked while in 2WD will have no negative effects.

Does 4WD work without locking the hubs?

The 4×4 Hubs on a vehicle is the device which engages the axle to the differential. Without the hubs there would be no drive sent to the wheels. To be in 4 wheel drive they need to be locked and the 4×4 selected, this will transfer 25% drive to each of the 4 wheels.

What happens if you only lock one hub?

If you are in 4wd with one hub locked and one open the power would follow the path of least resistance and spin the unlocked axle unless you have a locked/spooled diff. In that case both axles would get power and only the wheel with locked hub would turn.

What causes the hub to lock in four wheel drive?

When torque is applied by the driveshaft, it forces the hub to slide in and lock. The hub then remains in the locked position as long as the transfer case remains in four-wheel drive.

How to diagnose an automatic locking hub problem?

Diagnosing an automatic locking hub problem may require test driving the vehicle or raising a front wheel to see if the hub is engaging and disengaging properly. Put the transmission in park, set the parking brake and raise the chassis so one of the front wheels is off the ground while the other is still on the ground.

How to replace a front axle on a Dodge Ram?

This video covers how to replace a front axle universal joint and a hub or wheel bearing in a 1999 dodge ram 1500 4 wheel drive. Very similar to a 2500. It may be less damaging to loosen the hub bolts and tap on them with a hammer vs the method shown in this vid. Loading…

Where to get a locking wheel lug nut for a Dodge Ram 1500?

If you prefer to shop in person for the right Locking Wheel Lug Nut products for your Ram 1500, visit one of our local Advance Auto Parts locations and you’ll be back on the road in no time! Use the fitment form at the top of the page to select your exact year and engine type for your Dodge Ram 1500.

Why do I need a locking hub on my Dodge Ram truck?

Many late model (1994-2016) Dodge / RAM 2500-5500 truck owners have requested the need for manual locking hubs to give them free spinning wheels, eliminating unnecessary wear and tear on their front axle assembly and providing better overall performance.

When to use the automatic locking hubs on a truck?

On many 4×4 trucks, automatic locking hubs are used to disengage the front wheels when four-wheel drive is not needed. Fuel economy may improve as much as one mile per gallon, depending on the vehicle, by disconnecting the front wheels.

What kind of hub Kit do I need for Dodge Ram 4WD?

Get a reliable SpynTec manual locking front hub kit for your Dodge Ram 4WD truck to reduce wear on the front drivetrain and improve fuel mileage.

Why does the axle shaft turn when you spin the wheel?

If the axle shaft turns when you spin the wheel, it means the hub has not disengaged. To check engagement, rotate the axle shaft backwards. This should lock the hub. Try turning the wheel by hand again. The axle shaft should now turn with the wheel if the hub is locked.