Can someone tell me what running gear the 04 3500's use. I heard they switched from the dana 80 rear to the aam1150. Have they got rid of the dana 60 front's?. Is the nv4500 still being used or did they switch to the nv5600.What transfer case are they using?

 

AAM since '03. (11.5 and 10.5 depending on engine and trans in'03)
S/O uses NV4500 (2003)
HO uses NV 5600
I do not know which transfer case they are using. I do know that they don't have unlocking hubs. Hope this answerers some of your questions.

 

Thanks for the info! Have there been any problems with the auto hubs? Are there any manual hubs available?

 

Their are no locking hubs period, so no their are no problems. The only thing that come out of 4x4 in the trans case.

 

They must use some sort of locking hubs or your front axles would be turning all the time. This would cause locts of unnecessary wear and drag on your front end.

 

Yep that is the way they build them. Stupid eh? One reason I wouldn't buy a DC 4x4.

 

Well I wouldn't call it stupid. I would like the option of having manual lock out. But if I have the choice between automatic lock outs or none, I take none.

Really the fuel milage concern is pointless, the difference is about none. Don't forget that years ago everything was full time 4x4, couldn't even unlock the trancase. Many of thoose trucks went many a mile, I've still got one that works great.

Like I said I wish their were an option to have manual lock outs, but saying your not going to buy a truck because of that is kinda dumb. I suppose an IFS 4x4 from Chevy would be better, yea right. Is Ford still doing the lock out, haven't payed attension to any of the new ones.

 

I'm glad to see the CAD gone from the front axle. They have a habit of not working at the worst times.

 

I thought the lack of lockouts would be a big deal (fuel consumption reasons mostly) but that hasn't really materialized. Unnecessary wear???? naaahhh, I've got AMSOIL in them now! hehehe

And if it was offered, I would not buy the electric on-the-fly versions because I would think it would something else to fail over the long term.

The "only" reason that do miss lockouts now, is when I'd like to go to 4Lo with the front diff dis-engaged for tight quarter manuevering with the trailer hooked up.

I wouldn't avoid buying a HD RAM 4x4 because of it.

Oh, the xfer cases are the NV271 and 273 (electric).

 

I have had the Ford 4x4 in the past (manual hubs) and did not have any issues with wear. All these trucks were well over 200k when I sold them and except for u joints in the front axles and driveshafts, they were original. I would suspect 275k on a transfer case and front diff that are always turning would not be reality. Not to mention the extra vibration and noise. In the construction industry the guys with 4x4's just get stuck deeper in the mud or sand. Last two trucks have been 2wd. I do notice a difference in fuel economy,(got 16 max with my Ford F250 4x4 and 19 with the 2WD) maintenance costs etc. I just think it blows that DC didn't engineer unlocking hubs into their 4x4 system.

 

The manual look outs it the reason for you u-joint problems most likely. It pretty common if you don't use the 4x4 alot that the u-joint will get dry and kinda locked in place. Then when you do use the 4x4 they wear fast. The bigest reason people see gains in the 2 wheelers is because of weight and aerodynamic. The 2 wheels sit lower in the front plus they don't have all the axle hagin under them to catch air. The aero is the biggest reason I think. The extra turning parts is minor in the MPG.

up north I wouldn't think of buying a truck with out 4x4, 2 wheel in the snow is worthless

 

I would love to have lock out hubs on mine for the following reasons
1 In the winter you would save on fuel when the oil in the front diff is thick and traction is good and you do not need 4X4.
2 For backing a trailer up in low range where you have to do a lot of turning( it would be nice to be able to release the front diff) and this would be easier on the clutch.
Jim O

 

In my opinion, fewer parts = simpler = better. I prefer the always-locked version. Just my opinion, FWIW.

 

I dunno I could never get better than 14 with the hubs locked and the truck in 2wd. 16 in 2wd hubs unlocked.

I have no problem in the snow with a 2wd (with weight and snow tires). Guess I am a better driver eh??

I am in the minority with my thinking, as DC sells more 4x4 2500's than 2wd.