a little background information...

it is a 2004 F-150 XL 4.2L 5-speed 4X4. the 4wd shifter is on the floor (no electronic ****). the truck has 34,XXX miles on it, i bought it on 8/3/2010 with 27,XXX miles on it.

i can put it in 4wd low, but it is just the rear tires that spin (so it is actualy a 2wd low). there is no "4X4" light that lights up in the dash when i put it in 4wd. it is basically acting like someone took the 4X4 light out of my dash and like someone removed my front driveshaft. i am assuming that there is a light in the dash that shows that you are in 4wd at least...

any clues as to what the heck is going on here??

 

did it work when you bought it? if so did it make any noise when you tried to use it?

 

thats why you ALWAYS check the 4wd before you sign.

 

this is my first time trying to use the 4wd. i had no use for it in the dry summer months on the road.

thanks for the help

 

put the truck up on jackstands, put it in 4wd, and see if the front driveshaft is spinning. if it is, then its a problem with the vacuum activated front differential. if it dosent, then your T-case is toast.