4x4 Damage?
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New User
Joined: Nov 2014
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4x4 Damage?
Hi--I have a 2002 F250 7.3 with 4x4. My friend drove it for an hour on the highway not realizing the 4x4 was engaged (at about 60 mph) . Eventually a burning smell tipped him off to that and he disengaged it.
I want to ensure that the 4WD is and will work well. I have two questions:
1) Should I have a mechanic evaluate it, or would a test drive in 4WD be sufficient?
2) What causes the burning smell?
Thanks very much!
I want to ensure that the 4WD is and will work well. I have two questions:
1) Should I have a mechanic evaluate it, or would a test drive in 4WD be sufficient?
2) What causes the burning smell?
Thanks very much!
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,384
Likes: 1,868
From: Frederick, MD
First thing would be a fluid check and change of the transfer case.
I would do that before any other attempts are made.
More than likely you are ok in 4 hi but a lot of wear on a dry road.
Upon clean fluid then I would just engage it on a proper surface and see what you have. Nice and slow.
I would do that before any other attempts are made.
More than likely you are ok in 4 hi but a lot of wear on a dry road.
Upon clean fluid then I would just engage it on a proper surface and see what you have. Nice and slow.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,795
Likes: 47
I doubt anything was damaged, especially if it was driving straight (versus alot of tight turns).
Based on the age of the truck, I'd make sure all of the fluids have been changed. I would definitely have the differential oil changed. That may have caused the burning smell (I'm no mechanic; just a plain old driver).
Based on the age of the truck, I'd make sure all of the fluids have been changed. I would definitely have the differential oil changed. That may have caused the burning smell (I'm no mechanic; just a plain old driver).
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
What causes the smell is the axles get extremely hot when you do that. The oil in your axles is very stinky, so when it gets heated up sufficiently you can smell it. So you got nothing to lose by just driving it. I would probably change the oil in both axles and the t-case if it was mine.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 224
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From: Taylorsville, KY
and reconsider letting a friend drive your truck! I am more than glad to help you move because I am not real keen on letting anybody drive my truck.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,675
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From: DeMotte, IN
Ditto on that. The truck I just sold had 133760 miles on it. I put on 133755.5. It had 4 on it when I picked it up and I did let my wife move it once for the other .5 mile.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 24,724
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From: Blue Hill Township
What causes the smell is the axles get extremely hot when you do that. The oil in your axles is very stinky, so when it gets heated up sufficiently you can smell it. So you got nothing to lose by just driving it. I would probably change the oil in both axles and the t-case if it was mine.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I don't know, I'm in 4WD 50-80% of the time towing my trailer up north almost every weekend. Usually I don't exceed 60mph, but I have been in 4WD as long as 4+hrs sometimes. There's no time limit on it.
As others have stated:
-Check differential fluid level & condition
-Check for other oil leaks(engine oil)
As others have stated:
-Check differential fluid level & condition
-Check for other oil leaks(engine oil)
