4 wheel drive not engaging

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Jan 4, 2001 | 04:48 AM

bluebull

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From: South Africa

4 wheel drive not engaging

I live in South Africa and joined FTE a few months ago. I have a 1974 F250 custom 4 x 4 (light blue). I was on a trip to Mozambique (neighbouring country) recently with my wife & 3 year old daughter. I engaged 4 wheel drive (4high) and hubs were locked, cruising along when the 3 year old kicked the gear lever from 4 high forward into 2 high. I am not sure if it actually moved from one gear to the next, but it received a sharp knock forward. Since then the 4 wheel drive does not work. The lever goes into 4 high, but the front wheels are not pulling. It makes a clickedy - click sound. 4 low also not working. I suspect the problem lies with the transmission, but before I go to all the trouble of pulling it apart I would like to get some opinions from the list as to other possible solutions. Also, if it is the transmission, where do I start?
Thanking you in anticipation
Byron Taylor
(1974,F250 custom, 4x4 = "The Blue Bull")

Jan 4, 2001 | 08:03 AM

Nathan

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4 wheel drive not engaging

This should not have caused any damage, as I have many times changed between 4hi and 2hi while moving. Obviously something gave, though. I would first check the transfer case shift linkage is working properly. It could be as simple as the shifter is not changing gears. If thats OK, then its in the T-case, not the transmission (I would think). Keep us informed!

Nathan

Jan 4, 2001 | 08:18 AM

StockMan

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From: Inthepast

4 wheel drive not engaging

[FONT COLOR="#0000ff" SIZE="3" FACE="Veranda"]
Doesn't the 74 have a seperate transfer case and transmission (divorced)? I believe so. Therefore, if you have forward movement in 2wd then it cannot be the transmission. Once you rule out the shift linkage, then the gears in the transfer case could be the cause or it could be in the front end. A simple test for the front end would be to lock both hubs and put the transfer case in neutral; try to turn the front drive shaft by hand. You should feel positive engagement on the shaft. If the shaft spins freely then it is likely one of the lock-outs or perhaps the spider gears in the front differential. I hope this helps.
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Jan 5, 2001 | 04:27 AM

bluebull

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From: South Africa

4 wheel drive not engaging

Thanks for the reply. I will first check the transfer case shift linkage as suggested. I checked out my repair manual (Haynes) last night and also confirmed with a visual inspection that transmission is seperate to the transfer case. I hope that it is as simple as the shift linkage. I will keep you posted. Thanks again.

Byron (bluebull, '74 f2504x4)

Feb 28, 2001 | 02:44 AM

bluebull

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From: South Africa

4 wheel drive not engaging

Thanks to the forum and to Stockman specifically for the advise on repairing my 4 wheel drive problem. I followed advise and soon found the problem, being the front right hub (clutch / sprocket) not engaging due to a broken circlip / snapring. For the record, I have informed my parts supplier, who deals only in older Ford Trucks, of this website. He was quite excited since he also has internet access. I gave him the website address and told him to pass on to his clients who are obviously all Ford Truck owners. Hopefully we will see a lot more South African members in future.

Feb 28, 2001 | 02:50 AM

bluebull

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From: South Africa

4 wheel drive not engaging

Nathan, thanks for advise. It was not the gear shift linkage. I at least know what the gear shift linkage is now. I am a lot more knowledgeable on the working of the 4 wheel drive now. I appreciate the help of the forum without whose advise I probable would would have embarked on a wild goose chase in the transfer case which is not were the problem lay.
Byron - Bluebull ('74 F250 4 x 4)