Manual 4x4 issues...need help pls

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Dec 10, 2013 | 12:10 PM

ddiercks

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Manual 4x4 issues...need help pls

Hi, I have a '99 F350 (SRW) 7.3 4x4 (no switch on dash). Four wheel drive worked great last year and now it takes a while for 4x4 to engage and the dash light is inop.

Seems like if the truck is cold I have to dicker with the lever for 5 minutes or so and then it will finally work. Just started the truck and tried to move it in 30 degree cold and it would not find 4x4 after a minutes in any range.

Also, "4x4" light on the dash does not come on. Any help would be appreciated; finding a lot of stuff on the vacuum operated shift on the fly, but not much on the manual style.

Thanks in advance- Dave

Dec 10, 2013 | 04:17 PM

Pikachu

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From: Amarillo, TEXAS!

By manual, are you referring to a transfer case with the physical shift lever on the floor, or just manual hubs? If so, as long as the selector is in the right position, you should have drive power to the front. I don't know why the light wouldn't be coming on, though.

Dec 10, 2013 | 04:36 PM

ddiercks

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Yes, the shifter lever is on the floor. The truck does have hubs that you need to get out and lock in. Frustrating....

Dec 10, 2013 | 05:32 PM

redford

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From: Stephensville WI

What do you mean by "dicker with the lever for 5 minutes"? On mine, from 2H to 4H is just a short pull towards me. What is happening when you try this? Are you moving or stopped when you try this? Are your hubs locked?

Dec 10, 2013 | 05:34 PM

Pikachu

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From: Amarillo, TEXAS!

What makes you think the front axle isn't getting power? Have you checked it on a low traction surface, or with all 4 wheels off the ground? Or am I misunderstanding you, and the problem is that you can't move the shift lever?

Dec 10, 2013 | 05:34 PM

Bigpipes 35

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From: Forest lake minnesota

it is a direct connection from the lever to the gears in the transfer case unlike the esof system. Are you sure you don't have a sticky lockout hub that is being lazy and not engaging right away?

Dec 11, 2013 | 08:42 AM

ddiercks

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Thanks for all the input guys. The lever in the cab moves freely; like it should. It looks like at this point I need to crawl under there and check the linkage. Should that look fine, sounds like I need to make sure the hubs are good too.

Just wondering if anyone else had this issue. Seems like a minor thing since it will work...on occasion. But who really wants a 4x4 that works sometime :-)