Guys
Last week I looked at a used 1999 F250LD. Aside from having very low miles <32K> it was VERY clean on the outside. It was also the first 99 LD I have seen with the P.I. heads on it! It did have 1 problem though that killed the deal please read on.
The 4-wheel drive was a manual shift lever activated system. Unlike the automatic styles I see on so many 150’s. Shifting from 4 high and back to 2wd was rough. Lots of pressure on the shift select lever <**** even came off in my hand!> to get it in and out. Even with the truck stopped. Forget 4 wheel low. The last 4-wheel drive I had was my 86 with a straight back pattern. This Down, left, down, over…. Well it made the usual whirring noise when I tried to get in and out of 4-wheel low. Letting me know I was doing something wrong.
With that said my question is as follows. It was obvious that this truck, now and in the past has seen very limited use. Can I assume I can service the transfer case select lever and be on my way? Or is this perhaps a cable operated unit? I know it’s rough but basically I’m asking for opinions on what’s exactly wrong with this unit. Or if it’s just the nut behind the wheel.
Thanks in advance to any whom reply. I may have dropped the ball on this otherwise clean low mile 250LD

Regards

Tommy in NY

 

That is pretty odd. I only shift into 4HI when stopped, but it occasionally makes a grinding noise as it pops into 4HI. My lever is stiff, so this could be a design flaw. I use the 4 by system on a regular basis in winter. I live in the mud, rain and snow in the winter. Mine makes noise, but works just fine. I have shifted it on the fly, and it didn't make a noise at all. The 4 LO works just like the manual says. I stop put the truck in neutral or park, hit the brake and shift to 4LO. It pops as the front end engages and I'm away.

Hope that helps you.

-Kerry