4wd question
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New User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3
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From: East Aurora, NY
4wd question
So I just bought a 92 f250 with a 351 for a plow truck, only sketchy issue is the 4wd, it works it has new hubs but the problem is the lever is very stiff going into 4wd and will not go into 4L any ideas... I'm thinking linkage from sitting but don't have much experience with fords.... any help would be appreciated....Thanks
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 22
From: Central Maine
Pop that boot at the stick off and take a look at the linkage. That thing should pull into 4L smooth as butter. We have a 1990 F250 with the 351 and 4wd shifting is the one thing that works all the time! Try pulling it into 4L while you are very slightly rolling down an incline while letting off the brakes, make sure tranny is in neutral too (that is a must for shifting into 4L on any vehicle as far as I am concerned)
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 22
From: Central Maine
Also, you may want to consider replacing the in-tank fuel pump on one of the tanks and make that your primary. Our pump and filter is in bad shape and you have to cycle the key a few times to start it. Something to keep in mind in the rusty north east!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: Lutz, FL
I agree with M350... the linkage under the truck by the transfer case gets crudded up. I've read here that some have had sticks etc jam the linkage as well. I cleaned mine up with WD40 and shifted it in and out a few times and it works fine now.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27
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I agree with m350, get some good penetrating oil like PB Blaster (protect your eyes) and spray the linkage, it's all exposed. Also, when you shift from 4 high to neutral you must push down on the shift lever.
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Street Queen to the extr3m3
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 3
From: Lubbock, Texas
well for starters... 4lo can only be engaged with the vehicle in neutral, and im not 100% on this, but i think you have to be at a complete stop too... Atleast that's how it is in my truck....
Check the linkadge crawl under there could be a rock or something jammed in there also take some penetrating oil under there with you and spray the linkadges... I find some times that i have to roll the truck forward just a little bit to get it to engage, like the gears wont line up or something and moving it a little bit can help that....
Check the linkadge crawl under there could be a rock or something jammed in there also take some penetrating oil under there with you and spray the linkadges... I find some times that i have to roll the truck forward just a little bit to get it to engage, like the gears wont line up or something and moving it a little bit can help that....
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Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 8,476
Likes: 37
From: Madison, WI
Is the problem between 4H and N, or between N and 4L? If it's the former, don't forget that you have to push DOWN on the lever to get from 4H to N. Sometimes it's the push-down part of the mechanism that gums up, so as said above, a good lube from underneath is in order. I would use a penetrating oil for starters, but that'll be just to free it up. It won't "stick around" as a lubricant. I would follow up with a lube that will stay there, such as the light-blue-can Liquid Wrench, the stuff with Teflon.
Nice thing is, it's a very direct linkage. I'm not even sure what you'll get access to removing the boot. The lever is right above the t-case, and most of the "goodies" are visible/accessible from below. An assistant working the lever while you watch things move might help.
Nice thing is, it's a very direct linkage. I'm not even sure what you'll get access to removing the boot. The lever is right above the t-case, and most of the "goodies" are visible/accessible from below. An assistant working the lever while you watch things move might help.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
In an 87 to 96 truck, you don't have to push down. At least you don't on any truck that I've had. Use penetrating oil to get the linkage moving again, and use spray lithium grease to keep it moving. WD-40 is a jack of all trades and master of none. There are much better penetrating oils and lubricants on the market.
And yes, you have to be at a stop with the tranny (auto or manual) in neutral in order to engage 4L. You should be able to shift on the fly between 2H and 4H.
And yes, you have to be at a stop with the tranny (auto or manual) in neutral in order to engage 4L. You should be able to shift on the fly between 2H and 4H.
Temporarily Deactivated
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 410
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you do in the mid 90's trucks, 94,95 for sure. in 92...not sure. in my 91 (no push down) sometimes i just have to put it in gear, reverse or d or whatever for a sec then back to P or N and it goes in no problem.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 348
Likes: 1
From: Lutz, FL
In an 87 to 96 truck, you don't have to push down. At least you don't on any truck that I've had. Use penetrating oil to get the linkage moving again, and use spray lithium grease to keep it moving. WD-40 is a jack of all trades and master of none. There are much better penetrating oils and lubricants on the market.
And yes, you have to be at a stop with the tranny (auto or manual) in neutral in order to engage 4L. You should be able to shift on the fly between 2H and 4H.
And yes, you have to be at a stop with the tranny (auto or manual) in neutral in order to engage 4L. You should be able to shift on the fly between 2H and 4H.