Automatic Locking Hubs Operation

[Ruffinit]

I was looking through my 84 Bronco II Shop Manual and found this information to help answer all the questions lately about the auto hub operation.. So here it is straight from the horse's mouth:

AUTOMATIC LOCKING HUBS OPERATION

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
The vehicle must be stopped when you first shift into four-wheel drive. Place the transmission in neutral and the transfer case selector in the 4H or 4L position. The hub locks will automatically engage when the vehicle is driven. The transfer case may then be shifted between 2H and 4H with the vehicle moving, as long as the automatic hub locks remain engaged until the disengage sequence is performed.

TWO-WHEEL DRIVE
Place the transfer case in the 2H position. To disengage the automatic hub locks, shift the transmission to move the vehicle in the opposite direction (forward or reverse) and drive a minimum of 3 meters (10 ft.) in a straight line.

CAUTION: NEVER SHIFT FROM 2H TO 4H WITH THE AUTOMATIC HUB LOCKS DISENGAGED WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, IF IT IS NECESSARY TO SHIFT TO OR FROM 4L, BRING THE VEHICLE TO A FULL STOP BEFORE DOING SO.

[neb_scot]

so here comes the dumb a$$ questions from me again - but this bit really confuses me:

The transfer case may then be shifted between 2H and 4H with the vehicle moving, as long as the automatic hub locks remain engaged until the disengage sequence is performed.

So its saying that once the hubs are engaged there is no problem going between 2wd and 4wd? If that is the case why does it go on to list changing back to 2wd? Is it really saying "to disengage the hubs...."? If its the case that 2wd can still be achieved with the hubs engaged, why would you ever want to to disengage the hubs other than possibly for maintenance?

Again sorry for the continuous questions. Every time I think I got it, I realize I dont....

[Ruffinit]

So its saying that once the hubs are engaged there is no problem going between 2wd and 4wd? If that is the case why does it go on to list changing back to 2wd? Is it really saying "to disengage the hubs...."?

Yes, it is talking about disengaging the hubs.

If its the case that 2wd can still be achieved with the hubs engaged, why would you ever want to to disengage the hubs other than possibly for maintenance?

When your hubs are engaged, you are turning everything associated with the four wheel drive; the axles, the differential, the driveshaft, even when you have 2H selected. This equates to not only normal wear and tear for everything involved, but it uses more fuel and takes more horsepower to push it down the road. I know your experience is limited, but sometime try driving your BII down the highway or interstate with the hubs engaged and then run the same route with them disengaged. You'll find the thing is much more responsive with them disengaged. Secondly when you disengage your hubs, the wheels are only turning on the spindle leaving everything else stationary.

You can't do this with autolockers, but one of the old tricks in sticky situations was to keep the front hubs disengaged and use 4L for manuvering trailers at times where you need your front wheels to turn without binding. Gives you the low range for the torque and pulling and still maintain tight steering abilities.

[neb_scot]

Ah..ok I get it now....

So my question now is, how do I tell if the hubs are engaged or not? The only indicator I know of is the "4x4" light on the dashboard. If I am in 2H with the hubs locked, is there another identifier for us with auto-hubs?

thanks again for your time and explanation....

[Ruffinit]

Nope. I guess that would just be a learning curve. I suppose that as long as you practice the above instructions, and not back up without it being in 4H, you would remain in the locked position. Switch out of 4H on the fly. I was most alarmed by the caution which states that if you are not locked in, don't switch it on the fly. If in doubt treat it as being in 2H.