1998 f250 LD 4x4 5.4l. I went to check my oil level today and notice that my battery was on its side and it leaked acid onto a whole bunch of stuff. most of the stuff wasn't hurt that bad just some melted wire loom covers and some paint taken off plus the oil fill cap was melted a little. But there is a blue and a pink little tubes that go from a plug on the top left of the firewall and go to something on the front differential but they totally melted through. What are these tubes and are they important.

 

there are two small hoses that go to the axle pumkin area and connect to the vacuum piston. That engages the 4 x 4. The hoses start at solenoids on the firewall above the steering column, run to the right side of the truck and down the fender well area, then across the axle to the center pumkin area. One is engage, one is disengage.

 

yeah i figured that out now but thanks do you know where i can buy a new one?

 

Might be able to buy a roll of plastic tubing at Auto Zone that is used to connect an oil pressure gauge to a remote mount. They should also sell 1/8 or 3/16 tubing for the end fittings. Maybe you can just replace a few feet of the failed part.

 

I kinda fixed the tubing but i still want to replace it. Do i have to worry about it getting locked in 4x4? How can i tell if its in 4x4? I'm kinda worried because i dont want to drive it if its locked in 4x4.

 

As long as your switch on the dash is not in 4x4 H/L, you shouldn't have to worry about it getting locked in 4x4.

You'll notice a binding while turning on dry pavement if the truck is 4x4. Kind of like the truck is fighting you to turn. Very noticeable, you will definitely think something is wrong. Stop driving if possible and make sure switch is placed in 2H.

If it turns and drives like it normally does for you on dry pavement, then you aren't in 4x4.