Steering Problem???
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Steering Problem???
I was driving home from Home Depot today and decided to put my truck into 4x4, as I pulled up to my house and cranked the wheel to the left the front tires started to jump and skid. So I took it out of 4x4 and drove it around some more to see if it would still do it and it wouldn't do it when 4x4 was disengaged only while in 4x4. Someone please if you know what this could be let me know. I sure hope this isn't a very expensive fix. My truck is a 2004 F150 FX4 Crew Cab, and about 4 months ago had some tranny work done on it under warranty which has now expired.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 892
Likes: 1
From: Duluth, MN
It's because you had your 4x4 on. I don't believe the front diffs on the f150's are limited slip, so the 2 tires rotate at basically the same speed. on dry pavement this means the tires tend to drag and skip like your describing. I know some expeditions have limited slip up front, but dunno if thats the same for the f150's. 4 wheel drive isn't meant to be used on dry pavement and at extreme turning angles. take it off-road and it should work fine.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Thanks for the help I really hope that's the case I will try in the morning and see what happens. I am just new to the whole 4x4 thing so any help is much appreciated. Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,323
Likes: 2
From: Montana Territory
Its from the hubs being locked in, not the differential (just for clarification, there are no factory front limited slips in these fords, or any fords for that matter)... but its totally normal and nothing to worry about...
New User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Totally normal and what you want to happen. Since you are new to the 4 wheel drive thing as you stated earlier you should know that engaging 4 wheel drive on dry pavement is not a good thing, especially when making sharp turns. The jump and skid you are describing is causing unnecessary wear and tear on your front end.
Scott
Scott
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Thanks alot guys that sure puts my mind at ease, knowing that it isn't a major job to fix. It's just me being really stupid. Thanks again.
Trending Topics
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 2
From: In my House
I'll second that motion 
Totally normal. Ford doesn't put limited slip's in the front diff any more either.
Rich
Totally normal. Ford doesn't put limited slip's in the front diff any more either.Rich
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
white3454
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Aug 12, 2009 03:30 PM