AWD Mode

lv2drive said:

in my experience, i have seen zero difference in fuel consumption after extensive highly varied driving in normal mode 2H or normal mode 4A, for comparison purposes.
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I have to agree. I have not done extensive testing, but with minimal comparison, 4A vs 2H doesn't seem to make a significant impact on fuel economy. I agree... doesn't make sense. I have been driving more aggressive lately and I'm starting to think I should use 4A more for safety reasons. When I really get on the gas on wet roads, the rear end will slip ever so slowly - enough to feel it but not enough to fire the traction control.

Soliyou said:

I am interested in the idea of retrofitting these electric hubs in place of the current air hubs. If they fit mechanically, we can run a control wire from the vacuum solenoid and power them directly from the battery.

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Very interesting idea, I'd also like to know if this is possible.

Well, I just returned from the dealer where they diagnosed a vacuum leak from the front end somewhere. I was getting a weird low hum / noise when in 4A and not in 2H, so per Ford's direction, they have now permanently locked my front hubs. I was told to feel slightly more drag and potentially a bit worse fuel consumption. Still too early to tell. Don't get me started on the rear pinion seal that is leaking AGAIN. 4th time so this go around they will be changing the flange as the seal was never seated properly apparently. Also, diagnosed two other front end diff seals that need changing FFS.

Soliyou said:

Yeah, they finally ditched the vacuum operated hubs and started using an electric actuator.

I am interested in the idea of retrofitting these electric hubs in place of the current air hubs. If they fit mechanically, we can run a control wire from the vacuum solenoid and power them directly from the battery.

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The 150 guys have broken this down, and don't think it is an easy swap. Need new knuckles too supposedly. Curious if the 22 Expy will switch to the new EiWE?

LokiWolf said:

The 150 guys have broken this down, and don't think it is an easy swap. Need new knuckles too supposedly.

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Well that's disappointing, but thanks for the info. New knuckles makes it a non-starter, as far as I'm concerned.

Does anyone have access to parts diagrams for 2022 MY? That would be the tell all…electric sounds like a much more reliable solution.

JExpedition07 said:

Does anyone have access to parts diagrams for 2022 MY? That would be the tell all…electric sounds like a much more reliable solution.

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Only time will tell honestly, but based on theory, yes I agree. I am also curious on the 22's.

Just returned from the trip, 11 hours from Braidwood, Illinois to Virginia. The first three hours were in a mix of light, cold slushy snow to patchy snow/ice. Ran it in 4A in normal mode. Didn’t feel any slip and also didn’t notice any discernible difference in fuel consumption which was a big surprise and very different than my 2009 F-150! We are also running the stock Hanoi tires which I have been pleased with.

LokiWolf, my 2021 stealth and most of the 21s that i know of do not have a vacum solenoid. There is a TSB for front hubs on 150 and expedition. They un hook the vacum lines and plug them so the hubs are always engaged , fords wonderful way of fixing problem hubs.

Kudie said:

LokiWolf, my 2021 stealth and most of the 21s that i know of do not have a vacum solenoid. There is a TSB for front hubs on 150 and expedition. They un hook the vacum lines and plug them so the hubs are always engaged , fords wonderful way of fixing problem hubs.

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Correct, then they are using the new hubs that the 2021 150’s have. They are still NOT always locked. Your original statement in this thread was wrong. Please read the link I posted to the 150 forum for more explanation. I have not seen a hub diagram for a 21 Expedition to compare to a 20 Expedition diagram. Maybe they are the new style. Visual inspection or a picture of the back side of the hub can confirm that.

Yes, when the parts are not available for the vacuum based trucks, a way to guarantee 4WD is to lock the hubs. It should never be a permanent solution, and is NOT how they are intended to function.