1989 Ford F-250 hubs

HEATHERSIGJN

MEMBER
1989 FORD F-250
V8
4WD
MANUAL
250,000 MILES

I have a 89 ford f250 4wd. Just a couple of days ago I locked the manual hubs put the selector in four wheel. When I went to pull out (in the snow) it was still in two wheel. After realizing this I got out and checked to make sure I had locked both sides in which I did so I tried it again and still the same. After trying the second time I unlocked both when I realized the passenger side felt funny. After I started turning it towards free it felt springy and the driver side didnt. After that I drove it in the free position stoped locked it back and it was no longer springy. Next I locked it back put it in four wheel and for about 10 feet the four wheel worked (did not spin in the snow then I heard a pop and it went back to two wheel (started spinning in the snow). I stopped put the truck in reverse (manual trans if that matters) after backing about ten to fifteen feet the truck wouldnt back up no more it was like holding the brake and letting out on the clutch. I tried backing up some more and it popped again. I then went forward in four wheel about the same distance (in four wheel0 and it came back out. Does this sound like the hub, transfer case, or differental? I replaced bothe hubs but have never seen this problem and would like to know before I purchase the hub. If I remember correctly mine has the 30 spline which so happens to be the expensive ones>
Thanks Carl Stone

1 Reply

FLEXY5

MECHANIC
512 POSTS

If you can get the vehicle safely supported with all 4 wheels off the ground, place the truck in 4WD and see if the front wheels spin. If it's the differential the output shafts would jerk around and not the driveshaft. If the transfer case is the problem the front driveshaft will jerk and pop. But if only one of the output shafts is spinning, then it is a broken hub lock. It sure sounds like a hub lock, but this would verify it. Also check your front u-jounts, too. The popping may be because they are frozen. That would also explain the feeling that something was holding. Post back with your findings and we'll go from there.
Dave