Hi there, just wondering if someone could help me out. I know there is a neutral tow kit availiable for the Explorer, and was wondering if the same could be done for the F-150. Are the transfer cases the same? I would like to tow the truck with four wheels down and not have to remove any driveshafts. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

If you have manual 4X4, you only need to put the transfer case in neutral to tow. I make it a point to get the manual 4X4 for that reason.

 

I tow mine with electronic shift, but with a Remco driveshaft disconnect. I wanted a King Ranch so I bit the bullet on the towing. I added M&G auxiliary brakes to help slow her down. Russ

 

Thanks Russ, that is one option I could go...I just didn't know if the neutral tow kit for the Explorer would also fit on the F-150....Thanks!

 

No easy options for the electronic shift 4x4. Here is what the owner's manual says, and all the publications listing vehicles towable 4 down agree:
Vehicles equipped with automatic transmission and 4x4 vehicles
equipped with an electronic-shift transfer case:
• Release the parking brake.
• Turn the key in the ignition to the OFF position.
• Place the transmission in N (Neutral).
• Do not exceed a distance of 50 miles (80 km).
• Do not exceed 35 mph (56 km/h) vehicle speed.

If you don't mind the manual shifter it is certainly the more cost effective way to go. Good luck... Russ

 

I've never understood the logic of the electronic shift. The higher trim levels have it standard but many people pay for it as an option on the lower levels. My manual 4X4 shifts easily and I only move it an inch or two to put it in 4X4. Anyone strong enough to turn the key can put it in 4 wheel drive. You can tow it anyway you want and there is less stuff to go bad.

 

Ford's manual 4x4 lever takes up lots of floor space making the middle front seat useless. The amount of plastic used around this lever takes away from the interior of the truck. GM does a much better job with their manual levers in this reguard.

We can argue look vs function... electronic shift has yet to fail me when driving in snow storms or on the other occasional slippery surface.

 

I have a 2005 F-150 FX4, with electronic shift for the 4 wheel drive. What would happen if this truck was towed with the front wheels down, but the rear wheels lifted up off the ground? Also, what would happen if the front was lifted off the ground and the rear wheels were on the ground and towed in this fashion? Oh yea, automatic transmission also.

 

I have an 07 F150 with electric shift. Does anyone know if it could be converted to manual by installing a salvage yard shifter? Does my transfer case have a neutral or do I also need to change the transfer case?