My '04 Lariat SCAB with ~165k miles doesn't appear to be kicking into 4WD. It's got the shift on the fly switch, which when turned on the dash light turns on but I clearly don't have 4WD. Crappy snow out today and when I mash the gas when in 4WD the rear tires (well, tire b/c I don't have posi) spin and I fishtail. There is a grinding noise that comes from the area of the transfer case.

Possibly related is when I am cruising and then accelerate slightly without causing the tranny to downshift there is a bit of a jolt as if something is slipping very quickly then catching again. Happens most often in O/D but have had happen when I've disabled the O/D via the button.

I've read about some of the IWE problems but this doesn't sound like anything in the hubs. This sounds like something's broken in the xfer case. Anyone have experience with this or know what I should be looking for? My finger are crossed that it's just something electrical but I'm thinking it's going to be far worse. Thanks all!

 

give this a look, hope it helps

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...4-problem.html

 

I know you said it didnt seem to be coming from the Front end, but i would double check. I have seen IWE issues sound like they are coming from the transfer case when its really just transfering sound from the wheel ends back through to the t case. i know it sounds funny but its possible. If u r sure its in the t case. Check your fluid level. Make sure it is full. Drain the fluid and see if you see any part numbers in it.... Hope this helps

 

The xfer case fluid was the first thing I attacked so it's up to snuff. Oddly enough, the damn thing kicked into gear today. Leaving it in 4H until the roads clear up again just in case it doesn't go back in gear. Now that it is in gear, however, should I expect to engage more readily or is there something more I should be looking for?

I will be checking the IWE as recommended just to see b/c the steering issue does make me think there's something going on at the hubs. Just glad I can have some security with the 4WD on (and fun!). I'll keep you all posted as I continue to look into this one.