Just curious is anybody putting Warn type hubs on thier 2004 F 150 FWD's? I notice my front tries screeching when making turns on dry pavment and on concrete they REALLY scream, this is in 2 Wheel High of course. Never had this happen with my last F150 with front hubs which could freewheel. I do have abnormal tire wear on the outside rib of the tread, it's almost smooth. Front end was aligned at 12000, but once the pattern is started it just gets worse, have 22000 on the 04 XLT now.

Also what are people using for replacements for the the HanCrap, er Hankook tires. I'd like to stay close to the original size, 235 70 17 but find choices seem limited. The other option offered by Ford was a 255 70 17, need some help with what others are doing, so I can weigh the options.

 

Those tires do suck, i have them sitting around with 300miles on them. As for tire selection i can see why you want to keep the stock tire size. Its my understanding that your current tires are shot, try and speak to your dealership paying half for new tires or something for your troubles.

 

And you already have Warn hubs on your truck.

http://www.warn.com/corporate/WARN.I...heel.End.shtml

http://www.warn.com/corporate/press_...E_05F150.shtml

 

the hubs are vacuum operated so as long as the truck isrunning in 2wd the hubs should freewheel. Or else there is a porblem.

 

That is interesting. I just took delivery of a 4x4 F150 two weeks ago and activated the 4x4 and it seemed real smooth coming on and off... compared with my old truck.. I was concerned when there was no mention in the manuals on backing off 4x4 by reversing.. Much better for coming off snowed up side roads onto an interstate...

 

Hell yeah now I can say I have warn hubs!

 

No, there are no hubs on this truck that I know of, just the in or out of 4x4 drive with the selector switch. the front end doesn't freewheel like I think it should. With the tire squeal it seems that the tires are scuffing around corners more than they should. Maybe it's just me though.

 

Correction, there are no MANUAL hubs on this F 150. Had an 88 Bronco with Auto Hubs that seemed to not disengage at times. But they stated they were "Automatic Hubs". Thanks for the links have printed info to read a little later today. RD

 

The 97-03 had no hubs. They were always engaged. Just CV joints and front engagement was at the diff. 04's up have hubs that, as stated before, are vacuum operated with a default of locked. Put the front of your truck up on jack stands, and turn the wheels with the engine off. Front axle will turn. Start the engine and turn the wheel again. Front axle will not turn.

 

Thanks for the clarification, I may have some time next week to mess with it. RD

 

Good info kingfish! I remember reading about those IWE in the factory shop manual a while back for a post on here . But the manual says nothing about them being made by Warn...can't go wrong there.

 

Just an FYI, I found this when I was looking for the F150 press release. They also do the Pulse vacuum hubs for F-250 - F-350 and manual hubs for F-450 - F-550.

http://www.warn.com/corporate/press_...chnology.shtml