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front 4x4 axle

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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 02:05 PM
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front 4x4 axle

How can one tell if the front axle "IS" disengaged in 2wd? I seem to get a lot of "road noise" from the front when driving down the road. Maybe its just me, having come from a 06 with a quieter cab. I just want to make sure the front is "unlocking" when it's supposed to.
Thanks
Rich
 
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 02:51 PM
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Your 4x4 light should go off for starters and if the 4x4 is engaged you should feel really jerky movements anytime you turn.
 
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 02:59 PM
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The light is out, but where does the light get its input from? The front axle or the T-case?. I can't see why I would have jerky movements if the front axle is just engaged, as it is still disconnected from the T-case
 
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 03:23 PM
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i have a 2001 SC and you definitely know when it is in 4 x 4.--- put it in 4 x 4, turn the wheel hard to the side and move 10 feet, thats what it feels like. in 4 x 4 low, i can hardly turn a corner on anything harder than wet grass.
 
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Old Dec 21, 2007 | 03:39 PM
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Good Point Steve, I'll try it . I'm no stranger to a 4x4, but I'm kinda new to the 97-03 system
Thanks
Rich
 
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 02:03 PM
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If the T-case is disengauged, but the front axle is still locked in...then you won't feel the binding caused by a sharp turn.
 
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 02:31 PM
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I believe what i hear is a lot of rolling resistance is what it sounds like. It could be that i;m used to the 06 F150 with the quieter interior, but I just am gonna have to keep an eye on it I guess. I love this truck!! These seats are defintely more comfortable than the 04-06 style.
Happy Holidays to you all
Rich
 
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 06:03 PM
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Jack up the front end. turn one wheel, if the other turns opposite the one your turning it's still engaged....
 
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Old Dec 22, 2007 | 10:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 96f150
I believe what i hear is a lot of rolling resistance is what it sounds like. It could be that i;m used to the 06 F150 with the quieter interior, but I just am gonna have to keep an eye on it I guess. I love this truck!! These seats are defintely more comfortable than the 04-06 style.
Happy Holidays to you all
Rich

I agree about the seats. My 97 is much more comfortable. But, my 05 is much quieter than the old one. By the way the light will be on if the T-Case is "in" and not necessarly the front end. The front end could be stuck in and the T-case be out and the light will be out.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:23 AM
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See if the driveshaft turns independantly. If not then either the T-case or the front axle is locked. The next step would be to lift one front tire and turn to see if the driveshaft turns with it.
 
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Old Dec 23, 2007 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by Wilber15
Jack up the front end. turn one wheel, if the other turns opposite the one your turning it's still engaged....
Exactly.

Also, you can crawl under the truck (while it's sitting on the ground) and turn the driveshaft by hand. If it turns, then you're not locked in. If it doesn't turn, then your passenger side axleshaft is still locked in.
 
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