4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

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Dec 26, 2002 | 04:06 PM

HawkinNY

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4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

Any Advise? Have a 98 with the hand switch to engage the 4 wheel Low and 4 Wheel Hi. When I switch to 4 wheel drive the front wheels don't engage. Light come on saying I am in 4 wheel but I'm not.. Any Ideas?
Thanks

Dec 26, 2002 | 06:07 PM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

The vacuum actuator on the front axle isn't working. Trace the line.

Dec 26, 2002 | 09:34 PM

HawkinNY

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4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

Thanks Steve. When you say "trace the line" do you mean vacuume line or electric lines, or both?

Sorry, I'm one hell of a carpenter but not much of a mechanic...

Dec 26, 2002 | 11:05 PM

steve83

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4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

As far as I know, it's strictly vacuum-operated, but a Haynes manual should give detailed instructions on what to look for.

Dec 27, 2002 | 11:05 AM

Buckarcher

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4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

Just my tidbit, I would bet that since the little light comes on your problem is not electric. I would start with the vacuum lines and if that doesn't pan out then think about electric.

Dec 27, 2002 | 03:18 PM

unibodyboy62

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4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

Well nice to meet yall. Im workin on my dads truck here (96 ford f-350 PSD 4x4 crewcab) and i have the same problem with the 4x4 not engaging. I know its not engaging because when it goes into the mud only the two rear wheels spin. I looked for this line your talking about and all i can find is a small line coming off the top of the front differential. Is this the right line, and where is it supposed to be connected to. As you look at it from below, it isn't connected to anything, but it is held down to the frame.

So basically what i need to know is where the line is suppsed to be connected to and if its the right line at all.

62 Big window Uni
powered by Y BLOCK

Dec 27, 2002 | 05:24 PM

steve83

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From: Memphis, TN

4X4 wont engage.. Help!!

The '96 uses the old-style front axle, which uses both front hubs to disconnect the front driveline from the wheels. If his has automatic locking hubs, they're shot and should be converted to manual locking hubs (with a **** in the middle of the tire).

This is totally different from the one that started this thread. The hose you found is the differential vent line, which should be routed to a clip inside the front axle to keep it above any water he drives thru. If he sometimes fords deep water, you should extend it (and all the other vent lines on the truck) to the top of the firewall near the brake booster.