Does anyone know of a product or a specific procedure to lockout the front diffs so I can attain a condition of 2L [2 wheel drive, low]. It would be a big help when jockeying heavy trailers. I know I could do this with manual hubs but I really like my automatics. I DON'T have pushbutton 4WD, but rather the floor shifter. [Old reliable] Any help would be greatly appreciated.....99 Supercab,5.4L

 

Look on the firewall behind the battery. Above the PCM connector you will find the
front axle disconnect solenoids. Unplug the one with the blue vacuum lines. You could wire a switch in the line to cut power to the solenoid.

Regards

Jean Marc Chartier

 

BTW pathflounder, your '99 doesn't have "automatic hubs." "97 and up 4x4's front axles engage in the differential with a vacuum motor, not the hubs.

Unplugging the solenoid as JMC suggested, keeps the front axle from engaging when you shift into 4x4. The solenoid is normally energized from a limit switch on the 4x4 shift linkage.

Good info JMC, thanks.

 

Thanks guys for the info. It will be a big help this spring when boating season kicks in. I'm glad to see that Ford has gotten rid of the autohubs. They always seemed to be the weak link in the chain. The problem is that you usually don't know they are broken until you really need them. And then it's too late!