Test drives when looking to purchase a used F150...

What's the proper way to test the operation of the 4wd system on dry pavement while on a test ride? Want to make sure the hubs engage/disengage properly without tearing things up because the wheels can't slip. This is on the 2004-2008 vintage hubs with solenoid/vacuum hub control.

 

One way is to take a small jack and lift one front wheel an inch off the ground and try to rotate the tire.......... I know if I put my 2002 in 4 x 4 and crank the wheel hard, it plows straight forward... like herding elephants if your try to maneuver on hard ground.

 

From the lack of response I guess there is no good way to see if the 4wd system is working unless you can find someplace the wheels can spin.

 

the H-L and 4 x 4 lights on the dash will give you some idea if things are moving in the right direction ... maybe not 100% guarantee.

 

You can turn on the 4x4 on dry pavement, just no hard turns or accelerating

 

When it goes in 4L, you'll feel the driveline engaging. 4H, not so much. But to test either one, put it in 4x4 on pavement and try turning. If you feel scrubbing and an overall awkwardness to the vehicle's turning behaviour, you know it's in 4x4. The lights on the dash are also a good indication.

Remember though that to put it in 4L, you need to be in neutral with your foot on the brake.

 

At what point does driving in 4wd on dry pavement create a problem? I'm no longer doing test drives since I now own a 2003 F150 4wd. Is it safe to engage on a gravel road or does it need to be more like snow or mud?

 

Driving in 4x4 on pavement is a problem because the tires grip the pavement well, causing tire scrubbing and differential stress. This is perfectly okay temporarily as a test, but prolonged exposure will lower the life expectancy of your tires and driveline. 4x4 is fine whenever you are not on pavement and the ground is soft, i.e. instead of the tires scrubbing along and stressing your differentials, the ground will simply give way. Rocks, dirt, snow, mud, whatever.

 

Thanks. Wasn't sure if these urban soccer Mom 4x4's had what it takes to tackle much more than snowy streets. Mine is not an off road pkg.

 

Take it out in some loose gravel and ( from a stop) goose it a little to get a feel for the traction in 2WD. Now put it in 4Hi and repeat the test. you should get noticeably better acceleration and no obvious rear wheel spin.