i read some of the other 4x4 threds but i didn't want to hijack anyone's thred so here we go...

i have a 4 speed 84 w150 with npg 208 t-case and spicer 44F front axel with auto hubs. the 4x4 light works fine and the transfer case shifts into low fine but no 4wd. i called the dodge dealer and the guy told me this 4wd system is all manual and the front axel is not ingaged by vaccum. i looked (quickly because i'm at work) and didn't see an acuator but my father-inlaw is the origional owner and swears it is done by vaccum. does anyone know of a online diagram showing the 4x4 system of these 1st gen power rams?

 

I drove one of these for a few years. It was not a vacuum shift. It had automatic locking hubs. These automatic hubs give trouble and you did not get power to the wheels. The best remedy was to install manual lockout hubs.

I still like the old full time four wheel drive on my ’77 W150!

 

what is involved with installing manual lock out hubs? would it illiminate the vaccum system?

my father-inlaw has taken this truck to the same mechanic for 17 years and he knows the truck well... his guy told him to check all the vaccum lines and possibly replace the acuator. i guess i should look better before i post

 

Are you sure you have a 44F and not a 44-8FD front axle? The 44-8FD is vacuum operated while the 44F has locking hubs that could be manual or automatic. The 44-8FD has a metal press fit cap on the axle end and the auto hubs on the 44F have bolt on end caps. Look on top of the front axle tube at the drivers feet for a vacuum shift motor. Both of these axles were used on first gens.

 

the dealer said 44f. would it be stamped?

 

The identifying stamp is the vacuum shift motor on top of the axle shaft at the drivers feet. It is either there or it is not. If not, it is not vacuum operated.

 

i couldn't find an actuator so i guess it's not vacuum. my hub ends are bolted on though. i don't know what the problem could be, i was thinking it would be an easy fix with the actuator. i just got the truck a month ago, if you have email i could mail you some pictures to make sure i'm not missing something.

 

Truck in drive and 4 wheel drive. Jack up one front tire and try to turn by hand. If the tire turns the hub is not locking in. Try the other side to make sure you know which one is bad or maybe both.

I don't like auto hubs as they seem to fail a lot but I hate getting out of the truck to lock the hubs manually. That is why I like the 44-8FD axle that I have.

 

It has been a long time since I changed lockout hubs but it seems that you just take out that ring of bolts around the hub and pull them off.

If you are mechanically inclined you can handle it; just start with those bolts and see where it leads you. Of course if you determine that they are shot and buy new lockout hubs they will probably come with instructions.

I wonder if the Warn Lock-O-Matic hubs are still available. I had a set on a 1969 Jeep and really liked them. For light pulling in four wheel drive you could allow the sprag clutch in them to pull, nice for an occasional slick spot or water hole. For harder pulling you could lock them in just like regular lock outs.

 

how does the automatic hubs work on a manual 4wd system? if i install lock outs can i just put my t-case in 4hi lock in the hubs and go?