I recently purchased a 2000 Ford F-150 4x4 Flareside, and am quite happy with it, actually used this site to gather info before I bought it (seems the specs listed here are more detailed than the Ford website). Anyway, I am not really the offroad enthusiast, my 4x4 purchase really was proactive, as the few times in the past I needed 4WD I needed it so desparately I would have paid any dollar amount to get out of the situation I was in. Besides, what's a truck without 4WD?

My limited 4WD experience being exposed, I have a few questions I'm hoping the experts here can answer. First, why doesn't Ford offer full-time 4WD (and I don't mean AWD)? Second, is it true that Ford limited slip differentials are poor quality (not that I would need or want one with my limited offroad activities). Third, I'm aware of limitations of part-time 4WD when engaged like wind-up and overbraking. Really, on what type of ground do I have to be concerned with wind-up? If I go to the beach to load-in jetskis or just to drive (I live in Florida near Daytona), I would like to be in 4WD so I don't get stuck in the first place (and believe me it happens and it happens quick with rushing water and wet sand), but depending on ocean conditions, the beach sand can be smooth and packed or loose and "sugary".
Do I have to essentially be in sugar sand with 4 tires spinning to not have to worry about wind-up?

I really wish Ford were more clear on this. The Owner's Manual says that it does not recommend using 4x4 on dry pavement because it will result in low gas mileage and shorter tire life. It is only the 4x4 supplement that indicates driving 4WD on dry pavement can cause physical damage.

Any info would be appreciated.

 

Part time 4 wheel drive should only be used on terrain where tire slipping can occur somewhat easily. Otherwise the drivetrain will bind up with alot of torque load. Sand, packed or not, unpaved dirt roads would be ok. Simply, do not use it on pavement, concrete or any surface that provides good traction unless it is snow covered or similar.
Mark
mjb1962(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

 

You probbably already know this but when you turn I think all four wheels are spinning at different speeds, that causes probblems with 4x4 on pavement. On sand, I think that the wheels should be allowed to slip enough to prevent any problems. Do you have electric 4x4? I myself think the manual transfer cases are a far better idea than an electric transfer case, simply with a manual there are few things that can go wrong.

Logan

 

on the Electric/Manual 4x4 selection. I rented an Electronic Ford in Alaska once, to see what it might be worth, and the one fault was in Snow, going downhill, it never seemed to know it needed 4X4 till I was already stuck.

It came in quickly on an Icy roadway though.

Soft sand will break an axle and do other damages. Go slow n' easy.

 

Just so your not dissapointed more than likely all 4 wheels will not spin if your stuck. Unless you are equiped with lockers or possie rear end.