Locking Hubs: Description

Locking hubs on 4WD Ranger and Bronco II vehicles lock either automatically or manually. When engaged, locking hub body assembly slides into and locks splines of hub/wheel assembly to front driving axle shaft. When locking hub body assembly is released, front driving axle shaft is disengaged from hub/wheel assembly, allowing hub/wheel assembly to rotate freely on the spindle.

Before servicing locking hubs, check axle identification tag to determine which axle series the vehicle is equipped with. Identification tag is located on left differential carrier arm between fill plug and axle end. Tag code number E87A is a Dana 28 IFS series axle, while tag code number FO7A is a Dana 35 IFS series axle.