Lockout Hub Options for 2024 F-150

[F-150_Fan]

Based on wh.at I know about my 2025 F-150, this generation no longer uses the vacuum or electric front wheel axle engagement mechanism (IWE). So, I am guessing that means the front wheels, cv axles, and differential assembly/driveshaft all spin all the time.

Is this correct?

If correct, does it make sense to consider installing lock out hubs like we had prior to the vacuum operated mechanisms?
Or am I off base?

Seems like the front end drivetrain is going to experience a lot of unnecessary wear otherwise (assuming the hubs no longer disengage.

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[Nassau]

Based on wh.at I know about my 2025 F-150, this generation no longer uses the vacuum or electric front wheel axle engagement mechanism (IWE). So, I am guessing that means the front wheels, cv axles, and differential assembly/driveshaft all spin all the time.

Is this correct?

If correct, does it make sense to consider installing lock out hubs like we had prior to the vacuum operated mechanisms?
Or am I off base?

Seems like the front end drivetrain is going to experience a lot of unnecessary wear otherwise (assuming the hubs no longer disengage.

Not in 2H.

 

[F-150_Fan]

Thanks, Nassau. My impression is there is no hub disconnect in the 2022 and forward F-150 4WD systems anymore (at least in the models with a 4A option). If so, then in 2 High the road force would still spin the entire front drivetrain through tire contact with the road.

Do you have information that can clarify the IWE's are still part of the front driveline? I cannot find any. I also looked under my own 2024 and the cv axle goes straight into and through the wheel hub/rotor assembly --- no IWE mechannism is present?

So, I'm thinking if I am not misinterpreting, then a manual lock out hub like we all used in the 1900's would be a handy mod to disengage the front end when 100% are not going to need anythin but RWD?

 

[F-150_Fan]

I did also find this on another forum, suggesting no IWE on the models with 4A, and possibly IWE on other models...

I am glad to not have to worry about IWE failure (had to replace them on my 2013), but to be honest it is very simple to remove and replace those old IWE's. But with the front diff not able to be easily drained (no drain plug), and cramped location of the front diff ... I'd rather not have the diff spinning constantly (to avoid uneccessary wear).

https://www.f150forum.com/f129/2023-no-iwe-actuators-540194/index4/

 

[wptorres]

Here’s a video from my ‘24 XLT with the ESOF Transfer Case. In 2H the front driveline is not spinning, when switched to 4H the TC and IWEs engage and the front driveline is active, then when switched back to 2wd they disengage again. On the XL, XLT, and some Raptor/Tremor Models with either the ESOF or Hi-Lock transfer cases, the front driveline does not sping in 2wd. However, the TOD transfer case with 4A will always have the front driveline spinning as there is no IWE on those models.

Not sure if installing locking hubs will be feasible or possible, as this will likely interfere with the 4a function being able to properly actuate. Your best bet may be just to instead do more regular differential services. I do every 30k in the rear, and every 60k in the fron since it’s often not actuating. I think your best bet since you have the TOD system is to just do both at the same time.

 

[hotrodmex]

Yes, 22+ 4A trucks do not have IWEs, and are completely connected hubs like a FWD car.

I have not yet seen a kit that would convert it to manual locking hubs. That would be a lot of custom hardware.

To keep 4A and disconnect the front hubs, your solution would be to convert to the 4A Hi-Lock Tremor/Raptor case and do eIWE hubs.

Seems like the front end drivetrain is going to experience a lot of unnecessary wear otherwise (assuming the hubs no longer disengage.

HOWEVER, you will have some "wash" with the clutch pack, and the front diff will still spin when driving. FordTechMakuloco showed this recently in some of his videos. In those videos he's blaming this on early diff failures, but I think there are too many other examples of live front axles for the to be the issue.

Wear is not just a function of movement, but of load. I think that the tires moving the axles ("pulling") and the wash from the 4A transfer case ("pushing") would have the front drivetrain is a very neutral, low load operation. Yes, the does add "wear" but at such a low level it isn't a concern.

 

[HammaMan]

Thanks, Nassau. My impression is there is no hub disconnect in the 2022 and forward F-150 4WD systems anymore (at least in the models with a 4A option). If so, then in 2 High the road force would still spin the entire front drivetrain through tire contact with the road.

Do you have information that can clarify the IWE's are still part of the front driveline? I cannot find any. I also looked under my own 2024 and the cv axle goes straight into and through the wheel hub/rotor assembly --- no IWE mechannism is present?

So, I'm thinking if I am not misinterpreting, then a manual lock out hub like we all used in the 1900's would be a handy mod to disengage the front end when 100% are not going to need anythin but RWD?

Correct, no axle disconnect means in TOD 22+ trucks. Not sure the parts exist to even go manual in the current model F150s. It'd certainly need unique wheels too. Not sure what you'd actually gain from this as the front axle isn't intermittently rated. You could add in EIWEs with switches to lock them. Not sure if the larger bolt size on the always-live front ends requires different half shafts as well as the hubs.

 

[F-150_Fan]

Yeah, good info, and thank you, all. I agree with your points for the most part. Let's see how time unfolds and if the market comes up with a solution. No IWE certainly reduces complexity and on the plus side, that is why I got the 5.0 this time - to reduce complexity and hopefully keep it on the road until solid state EV options or other non ICE options become available in several years.

I think I may look into adding a drain plug to the front diff or hopefully find a cover with a drain plug at some point...

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