what is the difference between 4 wheel drive....

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Oct 13, 2009 | 04:27 PM

spinrbait

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what is the difference between 4 wheel drive....

i am looking at 2 different 2009 f-150s. one has 4 wheel drive mechanical shift, and one has shift on the fly. does anyone know what the difference is? can you shift from 2 wheel to 4 wheel while moving, with a mechanical shift 4 wheel drive?
thanks
spinrbait

Oct 13, 2009 | 05:10 PM

fire240

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The mechanical shift is a manual shift on the fly system while the other one is an electronic shift on the fly system.

Oct 13, 2009 | 05:21 PM

spinrbait

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Quote:

Originally Posted by fire240

The mechanical shift is a manual shift on the fly system while the other one is an electronic shift on the fly system.

can you shift the manuel one while the truck is moving. for example you are in 2wheel drive and hit a slick spot, can you shift into 4 wheel while moving, or do you have to be at a complete stop to shift into 4 wheel mode? i have been told both ways. it sounds like you are saying you can shift while moving, you just have to turn a lever or something.
thanks
spinrbait

Oct 13, 2009 | 05:42 PM

fire240

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yes you can. They are both shift on the fly.

Oct 13, 2009 | 05:50 PM

spinrbait

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Quote:

Originally Posted by fire240

yes you can. They are both shift on the fly.

thank you for clearing that up. the salesman told me you couldn't.
spinrbait

Oct 13, 2009 | 05:55 PM

fire240

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They are. The hubs on the f-150s are automatic hubs. The only thing you have to stop to do is to put it in 4 low.

Oct 13, 2009 | 08:07 PM

dpeckford

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As long as all four wheels are rotating at the same speed( ie: you are not spinning at time of engagment- let go accelerator for the moment of shift) it will work seemlessly, as previous poster stated with electronic or manual shifter.

Oct 13, 2009 | 08:16 PM

fire240

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Theh hubs on my 09 are automatic but the transfer case is manual.

Oct 13, 2009 | 09:22 PM

#10

aridranger03

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basically the mechanical shift will have a shifter on the floor and the shift on the fly will have a switch on the dash.you can shift both while moving, but i wouldn't do it going fast

Oct 14, 2009 | 10:53 AM

#11

04XLTRUNNER

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just make sure all tires are rotating the SAME speed. and speed doesnt matter. i have shifted my 05 and 09 into 4-hi at 65 mph going down the highway on wet roads. as long as all 4 are moving at the same speed it wont hurt anything. now for 4-low, you have to stop, go to neutral, hold the brake and switch to 4-low. same way to take it out.

Oct 15, 2009 | 12:54 AM

#12

Hammerhead1550

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The manual in my Explorer said 55mph and under you can shift on the fly, don't know what the manual in my 09 F150 says but I am sure it has to be the same. Just make sure your driving on wet roads, not dry pavement. To shift into 4wheel low you need to be stopped completely.