2005 f150 4x4 ps hub
 

my brothers 05 f150 4x4 hub (iwe i think it is called)on the ps broke again it is making the ratcheting sound is there a aftermarket hub or a heavyduty hub system for these trucks?

Is this a manual locking hub or an electric locking hub?

They are vacuum hubs, no one makes manual hubs that I have seen for the 04+ trucks.

Sean

i dont think their is any other option either.

how is he engaging the hubs? does he wait for it before getting on the throttle again?

There is no upgrade unfortunately.
Sounds like the IWE is bad on at least one side. Sometimes a bad solenoid can cause the problem but not properly engaging/disengaging the wheel end. There is an updated part number with a rain hood over the solenoid from Ford, it is cheap insurance.

One option he could try it disconnecting the vacuum hubs to the wheel ends and plugging the lines, leaving the "hubs" engaged all the time but I don't know whether it is a good idea to do that or not.

You definitely need to give the truck a little time and/or distance when engaging or disengaging, before subjecting the truck to possible wheel spin.

hmm sorry to hear this.. I have been pretty lucky with my hubs, last january I was out exploring some back roads in the snow in 4X4, got onto the highway, didnt realize i forgot to take it out of 4x4 until about 10 min later as i was going 60.. Backed down to 20 and popped it out of 4x4, went into 2wd smoothly and i kepped going.

what is this updated solenoid any idea on the #

i have no idea if he is waiting i know this is the 2nd actuator on the passenger side he has put on it tho

Sorry for the delay. I haven't been feeling well, spent all day in bed.

The new part number is 6L3Z-9E441-A

Functionally I believe they are the same, except the new style has a little hood over the top. The solenoid is on the firewall, passenger side behind the battery. If you look, it is in a spot that would allow water to fall on top of it and possible freeze or get moisture into it. I couldn't say if that was his problem or not, but I think the new part was only $14 or so at the dealer and they had several in stock.

I have had a little trouble with mine when it was very cold, particularly after freezing rain. I replaced the solenoid and so far haven't noticed problems, but could have damaged one of the IWE units. At this point it is working so I'm not going to mess with it until it either makes noise or I plan to pull the knuckle off for something else. I have considered capping the lines but haven't committed to it yet. If you pull the electrical connector off of the solenoid it will engage the hubs (they are locked when there is no vacuum applied), but the transfer case will not shift into 4x4 without that connection made. At least mine doesn't.

Here are some pictures, they are not mine...

Old
Attachment 1839

New
Attachment 1840

Side by side
Attachment 1841

The only problem I experienced with my hubs was that the passenger side failed to un-lock after a 4hi drive. I stopped, backed up about 100ft or so, and it popped out. Haven't had a problem since.