I have a 1988 Ford f250 IDI and am curious with the front axle locking hubs if I can keep them locked, for how long. Want to take it wheelin soon and want to be able to go from 2 to 4 wheel drive without gettin out.

 

yes, as long as your ujoints and gear oil are good, you can leave the front axle lock in, just put xfer case in 2wd. thats how mine is ran ALL winter. that way if needed all i got to do is pull into 4x4 and go.

 

What he said.

 

As long as you keep maintenance on your axle up. I can't remember when my hubs were unlocked. Everybody made a big deal out of it at one time but nowadays every vehicle (except Superduty) comes from the factory with live hubs on the front axle. the unlocking is done further up the chain somewhere.