4x4 frustrations
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
4x4 frustrations
Hi guys. I'm gettin to my limit with the front wheels not getting power on my 2000 F250. I put warn gold lockers on the last year. Had an issue with the hubs engaging. So I replaced the hubs this past summer, everything appeared fine. Then it got cold, and the hubs once again wouldn't engage. So I pulled disengagement spring out of the lockers, so the front end would always be locked in. Tested on gravel and everything appeared great. Tryed to use it today, and once again, I'm not getting any power to the front end!! I can hear the electric actuator on the transfer case. And I get the light on the dash. I don't know what to look at next. Any suggestions?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
The reason I engaged it today, was I was trying to get a skid loader trailer pulled out of a friends yard. First tried in 2wd then after spinning the tires a few times I put it in 4x4, heard the actuator as I stated above, and still only spun the back tires. The front s didnt even twitch.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
with it engaged (according to the switch) get down there and see if the front drive shaft turns freely. If it does then your hubs are not engaged.
If it doesn't then look at the transfer case.
If it doesn't then look at the transfer case.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
OK tested the half shafts and front drive shaft, they will not spin by hand so the transfercase has to be the culprit. I'm wondering, how do I here the "clunk" of the actuator and the light comes on, if it is the actuator motor?
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Duluth, MN
I call this use it or lose it. The motor will freeze up. I've always been told, I tell everyone and I do use my 4wd at least 2x a month. Lock it in 4 and put a couple miles on.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,370
Likes: 1,858
From: Frederick, MD
Ok, try this to confirm. with it in 4hi try to make a turn. If it is locked in then it will bind on you as you try to turn.
This is not to be done at more than off idle as it is hard on the drive train.
Other thing you can do is to have someone shift into 4 hi while you listen down at the transfer case.
Alternatively you can remove the actuator and check it.
This is not to be done at more than off idle as it is hard on the drive train.
Other thing you can do is to have someone shift into 4 hi while you listen down at the transfer case.
Alternatively you can remove the actuator and check it.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
Well, we just had a blizzard here today, so nothing is gonna bind. I had read that the 4x4 light will not come on unless the transfer case actually shifts? Is that right? Or does the motor just have to move and maybe the gear box had has stripped gears (read that was common)
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,000
Likes: 4
From: Nowthen, MN
Sent from my HTC ONE using IB AutoGroup
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
I'm near Des Moines, IA. We had thunder snow, with 50mph winds. Didn't last but 3 hours but everything that hit the ground froze in place. (its been COLD here lately) (my Minnesota brothers can relate) So we had instant icecapades. Great time to not have 4wd.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Seen the same in northern Wisconsin. Bitter cold last few weeks, warmed up a little last weekend and rained, but the ground was still frozen and it created an ice skating rink on all roads. This week were down in the 5-25 range and more snow.
As for the shift motor, ,AFAIK most guys just replace them and don't bother tearing them down. I am not sure what is the common root cause of failure.
As for the shift motor, ,AFAIK most guys just replace them and don't bother tearing them down. I am not sure what is the common root cause of failure.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
vibrancy
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Mar 28, 2010 12:35 PM