First 4x4
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 69
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First 4x4
I just bought my first 4x4. its a 78 f150 with a solid d44 front. It has manual hubs. This is my very first 4x4 and i dont really know much about how to use it.
1. Can you leave your hubs locked and the selector in N?
2. When i put the truck in 4 wheel, it jerks real bad when i turn? What is this and is it normal?
3. My tc selector is real hard to put into any gear. what can i do to make it go into gear better? The the rod is actually kindof loose(side to side) in the slot.....
4. Does it have to be in N to change gear?
5. Is there anything else that i should know about 4x4s before i go wheelin in the beast??
Thanks for any input, and sorry for the stupid questions..
1. Can you leave your hubs locked and the selector in N?
2. When i put the truck in 4 wheel, it jerks real bad when i turn? What is this and is it normal?
3. My tc selector is real hard to put into any gear. what can i do to make it go into gear better? The the rod is actually kindof loose(side to side) in the slot.....
4. Does it have to be in N to change gear?
5. Is there anything else that i should know about 4x4s before i go wheelin in the beast??
Thanks for any input, and sorry for the stupid questions..
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,701
Likes: 6
1) yes, but it won't go anywhere.
2) It is supposed to jerk quite a bit more, but excessive means you are either using it on dry pavement, or your axle joints are bad. I had this problem, changed them out, and it is much smoother.
3) Sounds like the shifter bushings under the truck are bad/gone. Replace them, and the shifting will be much more crisp, so you will have better luck selecting the correct gears.
4) I don't think so. I have a 4spd, and I just push in the clutch and shift between 2 and 4H. Low you should be stopped.
5)One quick tip: if you have trouble getting it out of 4wd, straighten your tires and back up a few feet. This will relieve the gear bind, and then you can shift back into 2wd.
2) It is supposed to jerk quite a bit more, but excessive means you are either using it on dry pavement, or your axle joints are bad. I had this problem, changed them out, and it is much smoother.
3) Sounds like the shifter bushings under the truck are bad/gone. Replace them, and the shifting will be much more crisp, so you will have better luck selecting the correct gears.
4) I don't think so. I have a 4spd, and I just push in the clutch and shift between 2 and 4H. Low you should be stopped.
5)One quick tip: if you have trouble getting it out of 4wd, straighten your tires and back up a few feet. This will relieve the gear bind, and then you can shift back into 2wd.
Token Redneck
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,331
Likes: 341
From: Breckenridge, TX
The "What else" part:
5. Ditch the 44 before you waste money on lockers or gears. Swap in a D60, then buy lockers and gears. It'll save you money in the long run. Especially running a 460 and 36s.
5. Ditch the 44 before you waste money on lockers or gears. Swap in a D60, then buy lockers and gears. It'll save you money in the long run. Especially running a 460 and 36s.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Northern Minnesota
I put my auto trans in neutral when going in and out of 4 low, I leave my hubs locked in 85% of the time, just leave the t case in 2 hi, don't use 4 on pavement and your good, neutral in the t case is for towing purposes, not much else....
and texas tech is 100% right!
and texas tech is 100% right!
Street Queen to the extr3m3
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 3
From: Lubbock, Texas
Wheel around in 2wd with your hubs locked, see what you and your truck can do, keep pushin yourself when you get stuck, stick it in 4wd and get out of it... then repeat.
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 37,375
Likes: 1,860
From: Frederick, MD
no substitute for experience, and that will come with time. Would also be helpful to know if you have a limited slip rear or open diff.
If you can buddy up with someone else when 4-wheeling that is good too.
If you can buddy up with someone else when 4-wheeling that is good too.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Fl
Probably the best advice yet.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Do practice with it now,improve your driving skills while its still fairly stock. you would be surprised what you can accomplish in a relatively conservative truck with some time spent on differing terrain. Turn off the stereo,adjust your side mirrors so you can see the rear tires,and leave the windows down if conditions allow,and then you can both see and hear what your vehicle is doing........
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 937
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From: Winter Garden, FL
you CAN but of course i CAN play in the mud with my moms hyundai. Its not gunna do the best but if he has the truck and wants to then why not, lift it, throw some mud grips on it and have fun.
New User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
put a kingpin 60 in it before lockers maybe look for one out of a deisel. then you will have 4:10s witch will be wayy better if you dont drive on the highway.but then you need to match the rear end with 410's also. DONT PUT A LOCKER IN THE 44.