4 x 4 systems
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Maine, Virginia
4 x 4 systems
As I've stated before, I have an '88 F-150 XLT 4x4 5 speed manual trans and manual locking hubs. The truck has 193K + on it. I've had to do major engine work and I've replaced every sub system under the hood. Oddly enough, the only things that I haven't had to rebuild is the axles, transmission and transfer case. I've gotten my money's worth out of this rig and then some. Like all of you, I work hard, I earn decent money and the time has come.
However, I have a few concerns that I would like to share with my bretheren hard core FORD guys and gals.
1. The Ford IFS w/ manual hubs is bulletproof. I've proven that.
Q: How durable is the new F-150 4x4 system? Have any of you had any problems w/ CV joints, electric switches or any suspension components?
2. Q: When driving in 2 hi, does the front end free wheel like on my truck?
3. Q: Will aftermarket larger wheels and tires have an adverse effect on the front suspension?
4. My brother in law in Maine said that the FISHER plow company would not mount a snow plow on the F-150. Is this true? I don't live in maine anymore but I'm curious just the same.
I'm a little old fashioned, that's why I give so many kudos to the superduty.
Thanks
Tim
However, I have a few concerns that I would like to share with my bretheren hard core FORD guys and gals.
1. The Ford IFS w/ manual hubs is bulletproof. I've proven that.
Q: How durable is the new F-150 4x4 system? Have any of you had any problems w/ CV joints, electric switches or any suspension components?
2. Q: When driving in 2 hi, does the front end free wheel like on my truck?
3. Q: Will aftermarket larger wheels and tires have an adverse effect on the front suspension?
4. My brother in law in Maine said that the FISHER plow company would not mount a snow plow on the F-150. Is this true? I don't live in maine anymore but I'm curious just the same.
I'm a little old fashioned, that's why I give so many kudos to the superduty.
Thanks
Tim
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 160
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IMO, the current 4x4 system ('04-'08) needs improvement. I don't know a whole lot about how the system works, but the hubs are vacuum actuated.
Those vacuum lines are prone to getting water in them, and that causes the hubs not to actuate. Ford's fix?? Put a hood over the top ove the line to try to keep water from getting in there.
My '05 had numereous problems with the 4x4 - including actuation, and blown hubs (2x). I got stuck in the snow twice because the 4x4 wouldn't engage. In fact, once was with the service manager of the dealership. He had to call the shop to have one of the guys come pull us out of the snow with a '93 Bronco. I guess he thought I didn't know how to engage 4wd. At least it was a Ford that pulled me out. In both instances, it was less than 6" of snow.
I had no faith in that particular truck, and traded it on an '07 F150. This one has had no major issues, where the '05 had been in numerous times for numerous reasons.
Although I have just related my personal experiences, search the '04-08 Forum. There are many instances of people having the same issues I've had with my '05.
Those vacuum lines are prone to getting water in them, and that causes the hubs not to actuate. Ford's fix?? Put a hood over the top ove the line to try to keep water from getting in there.
My '05 had numereous problems with the 4x4 - including actuation, and blown hubs (2x). I got stuck in the snow twice because the 4x4 wouldn't engage. In fact, once was with the service manager of the dealership. He had to call the shop to have one of the guys come pull us out of the snow with a '93 Bronco. I guess he thought I didn't know how to engage 4wd. At least it was a Ford that pulled me out. In both instances, it was less than 6" of snow.
I had no faith in that particular truck, and traded it on an '07 F150. This one has had no major issues, where the '05 had been in numerous times for numerous reasons.
Although I have just related my personal experiences, search the '04-08 Forum. There are many instances of people having the same issues I've had with my '05.
