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Old Jun 6, 2003 | 09:23 PM
  #1  
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Question 4wd

I just bought an 03 F150 XL,4.2,auto, 4x4 and I have looked the owner's manual over...Is it necessary to run the truck in 4wd on a periodic basis, say once a month or so?
 
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Old Jun 6, 2003 | 09:30 PM
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Hi kmorg and welcome to FTE

I dont think it's necessary. With the way the front axle disconnect works, the driver's side axle is turning the front diff somewhat all the time which in turn will drive the front driveshaft and transfer case. It is just viscous friction that is turning the parts but they will turn enough to keep the oil moving a bit.
We might get other opinions on this but that's my $.02 worth
 
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Old Jun 6, 2003 | 09:38 PM
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Thanks for the help. That's one thing my salesman didn't go over.
Overall though, this has been the best vehicle purchase I've made in all of my 42 years.
 
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Old Jun 6, 2003 | 11:22 PM
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I would recommend turning it on (Low Range too) once an month or so the keep the solenoids from sticking. I have heard of this quite a few time where they either will not engage or disengage because they haven't been used. It doesn't hurt anything to turn it on for a minute as long as you go strait or are not on pavement.
Jimmy
 
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Old Jun 7, 2003 | 12:17 AM
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lxman1 thats a good point about the solenoids and if it has Electronic Shift on the Fly I'd also be concerned about the motor on the transfer case. They do like to be used once in a while or they can seize up.
 
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Old Jun 7, 2003 | 07:02 AM
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Originally posted by Racerguy
Hi kmorg and welcome to FTE

I dont think it's necessary. With the way the front axle disconnect works, the driver's side axle is turning the front diff somewhat all the time which in turn will drive the front driveshaft and transfer case. It is just viscous friction that is turning the parts but they will turn enough to keep the oil moving a bit.
We might get other opinions on this but that's my $.02 worth
In my experience the front drive shaft shouldn't turn. The left side axle will turn the side gear in the differential case, and turn the rest of the spider gears, but not the differential case or driveshaft. Like when you have the rear end jacked up on an open rear end and you spin one wheel the other goes backwards, even if the trans is in neutral, just because the weight of the diff and gear lube its easier to turn the other wheel than it is the whole diff. Only exception with the front axle is that the pass side isn't conneted to the wheel.
 
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Old Jun 7, 2003 | 08:34 AM
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Have you ever noticed when following an older 4x4 down the road that sometimes you can see the front axle's turning slowly?
I've observed that quite often. There is enough friction in the oil and grease in the front end to make everything turn slowly. Yes the front diff shouldnt turn the driveshaft with the other axle disconnected but it still seems to. Or maybe it's the friction of the oil in the tranfser case that makes it turn slowly?
 
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Old Jun 7, 2003 | 10:24 AM
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Originally posted by Racerguy
...........they do like to be used once in a while or they can seize up.
I've said it a million times: no company ever designed a mechanical device to NOT be used. Talk to any of us that have older collector cars- 95% of the problems we encounter are from the vehicle just sitting.
 
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Old Jun 7, 2003 | 12:23 PM
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Thanks to both Racerguy and 1956MarkII. For us, this truck was a pretty big investment and I just want to make sure it's ready for my 5 year old when he's ready to drive!
 
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Old Jun 7, 2003 | 03:33 PM
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Yes, by all means force yourself to use it at least once a month. If not, your will have to justify why you have a 4X4 to everyone you meet. lol I run mine once in a while if I don't get out to play as often as I would like to. I usually go out just after I have had it washed also. Terrible planning but what the heck.....
 
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