ggwash21

Ok so i had 4wd 2 days ago when we got snow, and yesterday i noticed that the 2 double vac lines were disconnected on the front hubs so i plugged them back in and now today i hear the 4wd engaged at T-case and 4WD light comes on but no go on front tires?????????? And if i take that double vac line off and hold my finger over it they both have suction to them... It all happened after i installed a HELL BENT STEEL leveling kit. and i forgot to hook the vac lines back up. or so i think..
BTW

2004 F150 Scab FX4 with 66k

mattd17

how long did you use the truck with the vacuum lines unhooked? you could have sucked up some moisture or debris into the actuating solenoid behind the battery.
the "default" position for the actuators is "engaged" so if you lost vacuum, they should stay locked in. when you put your switch into 4wd, do you still hear a vacuum hiss when you remove the vacuum lines? you shouldnt when in 4wd. try that and see if your solenoid is functioning correctly.

ggwash21

Ahhhhhh i will check it out tonight, biggie issue on my hands the massive cold wind here in MN caused my water lines in the house to freeze....Off to the dealer monday thank god for ESP

mattd17

well good luck... post back with the results.....

ggwash21

Ok water lines in house are saved, and as far as teh unhooked lines it was a good 4-5 days until I noticed they were unhooked and i had washed the truck and had some snow all in that time. I have an appointment 8am with ford monday morning. they gonna fix that and my tranny issue thats been following me since new..

mattd17

yeah, sounds like you probably injested some water into the 4x4 solenoid.... causing it to be faulty. let us know for sure when they fix it and post your results !

ggwash21

So if the solenoid sucked up some water is there a way i can clean it or should i just let them do their work on it?

ggwash21

I took the lines off the solenoid took a can of compressed air unhooked the double vac lines and sprayed everything. Everything works now...... Now i don't have to bring it in to ford.... Thanks for all the info on this...

mattd17

yeah, i figured thats what happened on ya..... by chance do you have the old style solenoid still? i would recommend that you upgrade to the newer style (about 30.00). i would also recommend that you extend your vacuum lines. i would get a piece of small hard plastic tubing to fit inside of the vacuum lines.... just cut them, and slip in the hard tubing, i would extend it by at least 2-3 inches....since you have the 3" leveling kit, this should help as the suspension flexes, and prevent this whole situation from happening again.

ggwash21

ahhhh, good thinking, Im not sure what style solenoid i have. My father works at napa so i will stop down and check it out. Thanks a ton.