NO SNOW=increased main't
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NO SNOW=increased main't
I was called today for my truck's check up scheduling and was also informed that due to the 'lack of precipitation' recently, my ranger needs to have 4x4 maintenance done. My manual states nothing about this at <3,000 miles. Although it is true we have had almost no snow, is there really any additional maintenance I need to be doing to my 4wheeldrive system? Do I really need to engage the system everry once in a while to lube everything up or is it self-maintaining? I know the hubs on my 250 need to be locked in every once in a while. What additional maintenance is included with having the ranger 4x4 system if any? With auto hubs, such probably isn't req'd. Are there any guidelines or tips I should follow to keep my 4x4 system working right, or is my dealer just selling me on something i don't need...? thanks
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I'm assuming just 4 hi would work and for how long though? I told the dealer i had a clunk when going into and out of 4 low and they said i could have a major problem. Funny though, that all my electronically operated 4x4 trucks do this. If i don't turn at all, am i fine ot leave it in 4 hi on pavement or is binding still an issue? I don't really have any loose surface to engage it on....
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From: crete, illinois
don't use what i'm going to say as the thing to do but i've had my '00 since new and only used the 4wd when i needed to and it still works fine. it came in handy a few times at the lake or river to pull out my boat or jet-skis. as far as 4wd low, its kind of funny how the precedure goes for getting in or out of it and has made a clanging noise or a clunk when i disengaged but i rarely use it.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: in the woods of MA
I was always taught to engage the hubs once a month - but leave the transfer case in neutral - for a few miles to keep the front end lubed. It wouldn't make sense to engage the automatic 4WD systesm in the same circumstances - you certainlly don't want that fully engaged while driving around on dry pavement. Another reason to have manual locking hubs, I guess...
Post Fiend
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From: South Jersey
At 3000k miles I can't see how you would need anything, I do agree that using it once in a while would be a good thing. Try to find a dirt or gravel road.
If you have a noise that you feel isn't normal get it looked at under warranty.
If you have a noise that you feel isn't normal get it looked at under warranty.
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Lead Driver
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From: in the woods of MA
Originally Posted by powerstroke6ltr
About how long wshould i engage it for?
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Yes the Dealer is trying to sell you something you don't need. I have never heard of 4x4 maintenance at 3k, due to lack of snow or any other reason, has anyone else? The Best 4x4 maintenance is, to use it or lose it.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: East Bay Area, CA
due to lack of snow? that's funny, I've been told by Ford guys that my system 'isn't meant for on road use'. Not that they are all necessariyl experts. I've heard you should use it 'every so often', maybe once a month - same with your A/C, even in the winter. However, I have used my brothers Pathfinder once in a while (auto hubs, manual lever for transfer case) and used the 4x4 with no problem, and I know that the 4x4 on that thing has gone for years without getting used. Noises are somewhat normal too...as long as they pass quickly and the system engages. Also I'm still told to drive backwards for a few feet when disengaging to actually disengage the hubs; does this still apply?
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Originally Posted by ford390gashog
in the manual it does state to run the truck in 4x4 at least once a month to keep things lubed.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: central ohio
i use 4-low more at the boat ramp than i used 4-high all last winter. sometimes while im waiting for a train to pass i'll engage 4wd hi and low just to cycle the shift motor. dads full-size bronco really clunks while the shift motor cycles, its rarley put in 4-wheel, dad just uses it to pull a travel trailer with, bought new in '96 (last year for this classic) it only has 60,000 miles on it. i hope to have it for myself someday 
even if its hard to afford feeding the 351.
even if its hard to afford feeding the 351.
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I have 155,000 on my 99, 4x4, 5-speed, 3.0 motor. I use 4x4 2 or 3 times a year at most. No problems, works flawlessly at 155,000 miles.
IMO, the more you visit the dealership, the more problems your truck is going to have. Only time I have been at the dealership with mine was for the ghost wiper recall. Nothing other than serpentine belt change, filter, fluid changes and a speed sensor in the differential went out and a light bulb in the Airbag passenger switch went out. Other than that nothing has gone wrong. Even have original brake pads.
Stay away from the dealer.
IMO, the more you visit the dealership, the more problems your truck is going to have. Only time I have been at the dealership with mine was for the ghost wiper recall. Nothing other than serpentine belt change, filter, fluid changes and a speed sensor in the differential went out and a light bulb in the Airbag passenger switch went out. Other than that nothing has gone wrong. Even have original brake pads.
Stay away from the dealer.
Senior User
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Originally Posted by HaroldCallahan
I have 155,000 on my 99, 4x4, 5-speed, 3.0 motor. I use 4x4 2 or 3 times a year at most. No problems, works flawlessly at 155,000 miles.
IMO, the more you visit the dealership, the more problems your truck is going to have. Only time I have been at the dealership with mine was for the ghost wiper recall. Nothing other than serpentine belt change, filter, fluid changes and a speed sensor in the differential went out and a light bulb in the Airbag passenger switch went out. Other than that nothing has gone wrong. Even have original brake pads.
Stay away from the dealer.
IMO, the more you visit the dealership, the more problems your truck is going to have. Only time I have been at the dealership with mine was for the ghost wiper recall. Nothing other than serpentine belt change, filter, fluid changes and a speed sensor in the differential went out and a light bulb in the Airbag passenger switch went out. Other than that nothing has gone wrong. Even have original brake pads.
Stay away from the dealer.