Quick lock out question

Doing some diagnostics on the plow truck, 05 F350

There is a squeal in the front end, and I want to eliminate the front lock out hubs

So, can I remove the bottom part of the hubs, and drive the truck without lock outs?

(I would put the face plates back on to keep dust and junk out, but the front hubs would be freewheeling)

Thanks guys