4 wheel drive question
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New User
Joined: Sep 2006
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4 wheel drive question
I have a 1998 f150 v8 4x4. The 4 wheel shift is manual and on the floor. When I shift into 4h the indicator light comes on without a problem and the truck moves fine. I have tested this in wet grass and gravel and it seems to work fine. Now my question. Whether I am on dry pavement or wet pavement or grass when it is in 4h mode and I want to make a sharp turn at low speed it seems to really drag. I have to give it a good bit of gas to get it to move. The engine revs without a problem but the truck seems to drag until I give it gas and after it moves and I straighten the wheel the problem goes away. I don't seem to notice it when it is in 2 wheel drive. Is this normal?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
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From: Simpsonville, KY
Its for both. The F150 4x4 system is a part-time system, meaning its not designed to be run all the time. The front and rear axles do not spin independently, and bind when you take sharp turns. Its fine for when you NEED it, but don't turn sharp in 4x4 unless you are on soft gravel 
You'll put more wear and tear on the system than you want to. That's how ALL part time 4x4 works. The full time systems allow much more slippage, but aren't as strong when you need the power because of that slippage.
You'll put more wear and tear on the system than you want to. That's how ALL part time 4x4 works. The full time systems allow much more slippage, but aren't as strong when you need the power because of that slippage.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 272
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From: Grande Prairie, AB
Yup Nathans right. But I mean Part-Time isnt really part time. you can use 4x4 all day in the winter where the roads are slippery and in the mud if your in the bush all day. Wet Pavement is okay too, there is enough slip available on the grip the tires have to the wet pavement. If you use it on dry pavement you are forcing that good grip of dry pavement and rubber with the weight to slip. That force is 4 times the amount needed to slip on wet pavement, that means 4 times the amount of force on the differential shafts and gears as well as the transfer case, this force eventually levels out when the slip has past, and it happens again, the back and forth motion of the slip and grip is what kills 4wd systems as far as wear goes. Its not only the front that is binding either, the rear does this too. All that weight of the vehicle on the tires you could imagine whats happening there. If you do this alot, change your fluid regularily every second oil change as these gears wear filings into the oiling system and eventually takes out your bearings. That is what happens to abused 4wd systems. Take care of your beast. And it will take care of you.
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