CD&J-Lo

Hello Everyone,

I recently purchased a new 2010 Ford F-150 SuperCrew, my first brand new vehicle and truck. I love it and would not take anything for it.

While in a hurry to work this morning, I placed my Ford in 4H to get out of my gravel driveway and then forgot to take it out of 4H. I drove almost 50 miles in 4H and 20 of those miles on the interstate going speeds at up to 70-75 mph. The owner’s manual states that driving on dry pavement may cause driveline damage.

What are your thoughts on any future problems that I may have by doing this or what did I do to my Ford? Does anyone else drive there truck at this distance or longer and at this speed and what have you noticed with your truck?

Thank you.

f_ast

It is not recommend, but 50 miles isnt that bad.... still avoid it if you can.

Biggest issue with 4x4 in the dry is turning. When its dry, the wheels cannot slip so the system binds from all the grip on the road. This creates very high internal pressure on the gears and even drive shaft. So straight line highway for 50miles isnt that bad.

I often tow a snowmobile trailer in the winter (not on dry road) and with a snow covered highway have done 200+ miles in 4x4 many times... I often did this with my 03 F150 and traded it in with 150,000miles on it without one single issue with the truck ever.

manic5_2001

dont do it again........... other than that I really dont think you F***** up anything.

Blackhawk RR

Yeah here in MN during the winter we have stretches of highway/side streets with no snow and then small patches of drifts etc. I have had no problems running it in 4 hi on dry winter pavement at highway speeds. I haven't done it during the summer.

Not the most PC answer I know.

Moe Howard

What is the longest one should go without shifting into 4WD? I don't leave dry pavement that often and I imagine there are some 4WD parts that should get exercized/lubricated with periodic use.

Tampawright

It would be years before you had a problem

manic5_2001

agree I had a 2001 ranger that I used very frequently in 4x4 for 2 years then I didnt touch it for 4 years, when I did everything worked as it should have.

seadragon

Hmmm... there's no way I'd be able to drive by mistake in 4WD without knowing it. My truck makes a distinct noise when in 4HI. I posted about it here:

https://www.f150forum.com/f38/4wd-sound-62411/

Does your truck make this sound too? Just curious.

Old_Skl_Raptr

i would lock it in once every few months just to keep everything fresh. it sucks when you need 4x4 and its not working

myowneq

I just did something similar this last week. Put it in 4hi to roam around the driveway and forgot. Rolled about 10 miles averaging about 55-60. I haven't noticed anything wrong with mine yet.