Hello, I'm not new to Ford trucks, or 4x4's, but am to the manual locking hubs. I purchased a 01 F250 truck with 4x4. Truck didn't come with any owner's manual. So, I need to know when do you lock the hubs to use the 4-wheel drive? Before you engage the transfer case or after? Does it need to be in park or neutral? I need to know the steps to engage and to disengage. Also was wondering if it would hurt to drive on 2x4 with the hubs locked. Thanks.......

 

Welcome to the site..
You can download or view your owners manual here.

https://www.ford.com/support/vehicle...owner-manuals/

I always used to put the truck in P/N to remove any driveline bind. Lock the hubs, then shift the T case.
I wouldn't drive extended time or very long distances with the hubs locked and in 4x2. Also no need to unlock them if your going to encounter a slick situation down the road. No need to put undue wear on the front driveline rotating parts, more so the axle ends/components.