I've had my truck for 2 mos. now and when I first bought it I decided to put it in 4wd and drive it around the block and see how it felt. Is it normal for it to slip for a second and then catch and take off? I dont know because i've never owned a 4wd before. It did the same thing in 4L and 4H. I didnt shift it into 4wd while the car was moving either. I did it at a complete stop, i think i was in neutral. Any comments appreciated

 

It does take a few seconds for the actuators to kick in the 4wd.. I believe that is normal...My experience however is with Chevys...see what 4wd ford owners have to say....

 

I noticed that with my old 95 Sierra that if I shifted into 4WD from a stop in didn't always go in and sometimes did sort of what you described. I havn't really had my F-150 into 4WD enough to notice how it works yet though. Try it while moving and see what happens.

 

when moving slowly i put it into 4H and just let it roll for about 2 seconds for everything to get going before i give it some gas. from it stop it does take a second to engage. you can't put it into low unless your stopped in park or neutral; atleast thats what the guy at the dealer said havnet really tried because i dont wanna break anything. just take the time to stop the truck before putting it into low.

 

That's why it's called SHIFT ON THE FLY. You are able to engage 4 HIGH ONLY at speeds up to 55 mph. I don't, but I have engaged up to 35 mph on very rainy roads and slippery stuff. 4 LOW is a totally different story. You have to be stopped in order for LOW to be activated. Give it a try.

 

I also have a 2004 screw 4x4. There is a slight lag when I shift into 4H. But only "slight". I can hear it "clunk" when it engages.