Semi-new truck, new questions - Ford F150 Forum

04F150FX4 · 07-09-2009, 01:05 PM

Hello everyone, I just purchased a 2004 F150 FX4 last week and love it. It came with the 5.4L V8, and the previous owner installed a Magnaflow catback exhaust meant for the Lightning. By far, best Magnaflow exhaust I've heard. Anyways; I have a few questions I was hoping ya'll could help me with.

My first question is what is the 1/4 mile time for these? (( Extended cab ))

Also, when drag racing do ya'll leave it in 2H or 4H?

And speaking of those, I understand that if you wish to switch to 4L you must first put it in neutral or park, however, if you have say a child as a passenger and love to mess with nobs... would that be messing up anything?

If ya'll may please help me answers those I'd be very grateful, thanks in advance!

Ford_FX4 · 07-09-2009, 03:15 PM

I don't know the 1/4 mile times. I have the same truck except mine is a 2007.

If your drag racing you have more grab at 4H than at 2H just cuz you will spin (pending on wheels) if you have the 20's it takes a lot for them to. lol ..

I have switched to 4L when in neutral but I am not sure if it will mess anything up because if he touches the 2H, 4H, or 4L it will engage either one while driving. Not good on it at all i bet because when you turn it to 4L while going 40 or 50 or whatever it won't engage in that it will engage in 4H till you stop and put in neutral and going into 4H while driving can't be good for it at all. I have seen a post about not switching into that while driving. Can't be for sure what happens though.

ratchetjaw · 07-09-2009, 04:28 PM

The synchronizer on the 4L won't engage until the truck is stopped. My two year old turned the knob one day while playing in the truck (while i was cleaning out the cab and not moving of course), any way I got in to go to work the next day and noticed the knob was in 4L but it never engaged. Don't know if it helps but that is my story.

As far as drag racing, 4H would definitely get you more traction but could slow you down at the finish line, plus you will be tweaking on both the tranny and the transfer case while in 4H racing so be on the lookout for replacing parts on both ends if you do.... just my $.02.