Front Hubs will not release, 05 2500 FWD

[JFelten]

I have a 6 speed 05 2500 quad w/ a short bed. It has about 100000 miles. I heard some noise on my way back to colorado from AZ. Both hubs are locked in. Shifting the transfer case turns the dash light on and off but hubs stay locked. I tried shifting in and out and backing up (w/ a 5th wheel on the back) but no luck. There is one electrical cable to each wheel which is intact. There are no codes. Any suggestions on what to check. I have not been able to find hub operational information in the service manual but it may be there.

John

 

[AH64ID]

There are no hubs on your 05.



Starting in 2003 Dodge went with AAM axles. The AAM 9. 25" is used in the front, and instead of hubs it has drive flanges.



If you are hearing noise in the front its probably a wheel bearing about to fail. Consider doing a free spin kit which will add hubs and greasable bearings. Syntech, EMS, dynatrac are some a few of the companies that offer them.

 

[bcbender]

Electrical cables on the hubs are for the ABS system

 

[ENafziger]

Both of the above are correct. The hubs are always locked in, whether you're in 2wd or 4wd.

If the truck is truly stuck in 4x4, I'd suspect a problem with the transfer case not disengaging correctly.

--Eric

 

[JFelten]

Thanks! I kind of figured that. I will spin the wheels, listen and feel and keep a close eye on the front.

John

 

[ETavernier]

John,

Another thing is that the front axle has an actuator on the passenger side that engages a sleeve which locks a two part axle shaft. Sometimes this will lock up also making a greater drag on the front end and stressing the front differential more than when unlocked.

However as others have said even if the axle halves are joined by the actuator you would still need the transfer case engaged to be locked into 4 wheel drive.

Eddie

Eddie

 

[Jeff Knight]

John,

Another thing is that the front axle has an actuator on the passenger side that engages a sleeve which locks a two part axle shaft. Sometimes this will lock up also making a greater drag on the front end and stressing the front differential more than when unlocked.

However as others have said even if the axle halves are joined by the actuator you would still need the transfer case engaged to be locked into 4 wheel drive.

Eddie

Eddie

They quit using that system in late 02. His truck plus your truck does not have that system. . Jeff

 

[AH64ID]

John,

Another thing is that the front axle has an actuator on the passenger side that engages a sleeve which locks a two part axle shaft. Sometimes this will lock up also making a greater drag on the front end and stressing the front differential more than when unlocked.

However as others have said even if the axle halves are joined by the actuator you would still need the transfer case engaged to be locked into 4 wheel drive.

Eddie

Eddie

No they don't.



The axle shafts are solid, everything is spining all the time. The transfer case is the only thing that changes in 2wd or 4wd.



EDIT: Jeff Knight beat me too it.

 

[SierraRam]

Mine has locking hubs



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[Prairie Dog]

That's a nice looking kit ~ some of the hub kits stick out too far.

 

[rscurtis]

It's not the kit, it's the wheels.

 

[SierraRam]

It's not the kit, it's the wheels.

That is true, if I had the stock back spacing the hub would be almost flush with the rim.