"New" used 4X4
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach, VA
"New" used 4X4
Folks, I just bought a 2001 F150 4X4 with around 55K miles. The truck is in imacculant condition so I'm worried that the 4X4 has never been engaged. The manual for my last 4X4 stated the 4X4 should be engaged for at least 10 miles each month. Should I have the truck serviced to ensure that all applicable parts are working properly or do you think I should be able to put it in 4X4 and be fine?
Thanks, Dale
Thanks, Dale
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 4
From: Golden, CO
Me three, give it a try.
I've been "told" that once a month engagement circulates the gear oil and keeps the seals from drying out. Getting that seldom used differential warmed up also evaporates any condensation that builds up over time.
With a three year old truck, the worst thing I would anticipate is a leaky seal. If you're going to pay someone to look at it, have them install new seals while it's apart. Seals are not that expensive. Think of it as cheap insurance.
If I were in your shoes, I'd buy the manual and skip the labor cost/100% mark up on parts.
But hey! I can't leave well enough alone anyway.
Have fun, Mike
I've been "told" that once a month engagement circulates the gear oil and keeps the seals from drying out. Getting that seldom used differential warmed up also evaporates any condensation that builds up over time.
With a three year old truck, the worst thing I would anticipate is a leaky seal. If you're going to pay someone to look at it, have them install new seals while it's apart. Seals are not that expensive. Think of it as cheap insurance.
If I were in your shoes, I'd buy the manual and skip the labor cost/100% mark up on parts.
But hey! I can't leave well enough alone anyway.
Have fun, Mike
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 18,423
Likes: 9
From: iowa
just drive it, and don't worry about it, if you really worried maybe change the gear oil, I like to do that at around 75k but your close enough, other than that unless it's leaking, or noisy just drive it, yes they say to do it but you are probably 1 in 10,000 that actually reads the manuel, and most of the 4x4 mall crawlers never get the 4x4 engaged all summer long with no ill side effects, and some may never get it engaged, so drive it ,a nd enjoy it, basically if it ain't broke hammer it till it is. 
