2003 FX4 Towability

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May 10, 2007 | 06:16 PM

Mustang Maniac

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From: Riverside, CA

2003 FX4 Towability

I just bought a 2003 F150 FX4 Flareside with only 5300 miles on the odometer. It is a great truck that was bought specifically for towing behind my motorhome. I have always been told that the best vehicle to tow is a 4X4 as all wheels can be freed from the transmission by the transfer case, however the owner's manual states not to tow this vehicle if equiped with electronic shift transfer case which my truck has. So much for trusting conventional wisdom and not doing my homework before making a purchase. I'm hoping someone on this forum can help me overcome my mistake. Does anyone know if this vehicle can be safely towed with all 4 wheels on the ground if the rear driveshaft is disconnected? If not, why and what must be done to tow this vehicle safely?

May 10, 2007 | 06:18 PM

98infinity

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flat bed it?

May 10, 2007 | 06:21 PM

Mustang Maniac

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From: Riverside, CA

Thanks, but not the answer I'm looking for. Hope it's not the only one.

May 10, 2007 | 06:24 PM

LxMan1

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From: Louisville,Ky.

Welcome to the forum

There is no neutral position for the transfer case so to tow it you would have to remove the rear driveshaft. But tranny fluid will run out of the tailshaft when it is removed.

May 10, 2007 | 06:36 PM

Mustang Maniac

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From: Riverside, CA

Thanks, Remco makes a device that will allow uncoupling the rear driveshaft while leaving it in place. My concern is with the front wheels turning the transfer case and as there is no neutral subsequently turning the transmission possibly causing damage due to the transmission fluid not being circulated. Is that a legitimate concern?

May 10, 2007 | 09:56 PM

Mustang Maniac

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From: Riverside, CA

With the help of the various posts in this forum, I think I may have found the answer to my problem. In the posts it states that the front differential on an electronic shift system is not engaged until the selector switch is moved to 4X4. If I understand correctly, the transfer case is electrically engaged and the front differential is engaged by a vacuum actuator when 4X4 is selected. If neither of these is engaged as in 2 wheel drive position there should not be any movement of the drive shaft connecting the transfer case to the front differential and no subsequent turning of the transfer case and\or the transmission. If that is correct there should be no problem towing with all 4 on the ground as long as the driveshaft to the rear differential is uncoupled. Can someone confirm what I think I have learned about the engagement system for the front differential?

May 10, 2007 | 11:22 PM

screwy

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From: Over Yonder, MN

Yep, as stated the electronic transfer cases do not have a neutral, though I think our ¾ ton suburban has a roundabout way of doing it. Anyways, it sounds like you have the rear driveshaft taken care of. The front is vacuum operated, there is a little vacuum motor on the front differential, though you might want to check and see if it's disengaged while the engine is off by turning the shaft by hand, I think it is. My 07 locks in when the engine is off, but the 03 is a different system.