4WD question
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 34
From: North Dakota
4WD question
I have a 2006 Mark LT 4x4 that I just picked up last week. Maybe I am just too used to my old Bronco w/manual hubs but on the LT are the front axles and front drive shaft supposed to turn even in 2wd?
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
No, they are not supposed to turn in 2 wheel drive, unless the engine is off. The iwe solinoid on the firewall supplies vacuum to the hubs to allow them to turn freely. When you put it in 4 wheel drive, no vacuum is sent to hubs, hubs are engauged. SO, if the engine is off, no vacuum is being sent to hubs.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
like he said. there are vacume operated hubs in there, the system makes vac and keeps the axles dis-engaged until you put the truck in 4x4. If your truck is running and you drive or roll it and the front shafts are spinning, you have a problem.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
nope
the only parts spinning in 4x2 are the rotors and wheel side portion of the IWE. the CV joint side of the IWE are 100% motionless.
nothing spins from the rotor inward unless you put her into 4x4.
the only parts spinning in 4x2 are the rotors and wheel side portion of the IWE. the CV joint side of the IWE are 100% motionless.
nothing spins from the rotor inward unless you put her into 4x4.
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
dodges use to be like that, disengaging at the center section in the pumkin (perhaps they still are) but our fords are not.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 0
From: emporium
im assuming you meant 4x4 not 4x2 but if the cv axels arnt spinning when you turn doesnt that wear on the cvs a lot? putting binding forces?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 554
Likes: 1
From: Newport, Wa.
If you want, you can jack up one wheel, start the enging and see if that wheel turns freely. Then repeat on the other wheel.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
the IWE acts exactly like the 1950-1996 Ford Manual Hubs when the truck is in 4x2 mode.
the only time the CV joints ever get any rotation is when you flip her into 4x4...or the motor is off and the truck is rolling in neutral.
IWE (hubs) are engaged if you hit the 4x4 switch, or you turn off the motor. any other time they are in the "unlocked" position and the front axle is 100% motionless
Senior User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
no, just lift off the throttle just a bit, you'll feel them kick out. I usually lift my foot just enough to let the rpms drop when shifting in or out of 4wheel drive at any speed. just like you would have on any older truck with a transfer case lever sticking up through the floor. if you shift it out without letting off, you'll feel that it does not disengage untill you either let off or change momentum. once you get use to this feel, you will be able to tell if you're IWE vac system ever developes a problem. Backing up? I think the '80s era chevy's use to tell you to do that.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 144
From: SE Georgia
all of those moving parts build up driveline torque. so you might have the switch in 4x2, and the IWE is trying to unlock...but. There may be enough metal-to-metal contact from that torque built up and the friction prevents the IWE release.
so a simple change in motion will release that torque.
is it needed? 99% of the time no.
does it hurt to do? not at all
besides, you'll feel it in your steering if the front axle is still engaged. has a very heavy feel to it when it happens
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Daddyoisback
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Mar 18, 2008 07:38 AM
DeckedoutF150
Computer Chips & Tuners
2
May 3, 2006 04:35 PM
burley208
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
3
Jun 26, 2003 11:35 AM