Hi guys,

I recently bought a 1989 f150 xlt l with the 8 foot bed and a plow mount.

Truck has about 220K on it and an auto tranny.

Not sure if it has the auto hubcaps or the manual (I've always switched them over manually and then hit it into 4h)

Here's the problem I'm having:

Number one, i popped it into 4h (in preparation for coming snow) and drove about 15 feet straight, then turned to the right, as I turned to the right I felt a sensation *almost* like I was going over a bump and the truck stalled. Restarted and I was able to make the turn and park it. sorta.

Curious, I backed up, only to find that the engine would sputter.

I switched to a different tank (from rear to front) in case that was causing it (I had never used the rear tank until today). It didn't make any difference. To move, I ended up having to manually disengage the hubs, rev it a little in neutral, and then finally I was able to put it in drive.

Secondly, and maybe on related, it seems I can only switch between 2 h and 4h, I can't get to n or 4l...


I honestly am clueless. This is only the 3rd time I've used 4x4, first time was on the test drive when I bought it (with 219k) and second time was when I had to haul some logs to the back of my property (at least I think I had put it in 4x4, don't hold me to it.)

So, I am utterly clueless, I have yet to try 4x4 in a straight line, but it will have to wait as I am worried about getting stuck if 4h craps out on me.

Thanks!

-Kieran

 

when you were turning, was it all out turning, or mild turning? 4x4 some times feels like its binding up a bit for me in my bronco if i turn full tilt. also check out all your u-joints, and fluids in the transfer case and diffs. you have manual hubs if you have to turn the hub to lock in the front axle

 

It was all out turning. That binding feeling is there, but, I can move as long as I turn back a little now.

It seems that the stalling problem was caused by well; and this is embarrassing; me forgetting to take the parking break off. I just went out again and I realized what it was. This seems to fix the problem of not being able to go anywhere in 4h, but I still can't get to n or 4l...

I guess when I had hopped out I had put the truck in neutral and put the brake on instead of just putting it in park.

I can live though as long as I have 4h.


I feel like an idiot for even bothering to post this now.

 

auto trans? pushbutton or manual for 2h 4h 4l? if its auto trans, try 4l with the trans in neutral, not moving of course. should be the same between pushbutton and manual transfer

 

Welcome to the site!

The 'bump' you describe is normal - the front end needs the means to slip when 4wd is engaged, so turning on hard pavement is a no-no. On patchy snow, I'm always switching the transfer case between 2wd and 4wd for just that reason.

If you have the standard floor-mounted transfer lever - there's a side movement needed to get into N and 4L - should be on the gearshift ****. If it's missing - essentially have to move the lever to the left, then it should go on down. Also, need to be in tranny neutral and brakes off to ensure no gear binding. The transfer case linkage gets fouled, so likely need to crawl underneath to clean things up, lube heavily, and work things free.

As far as feeling like an idiot - don't worry about it. We're a pretty friendly bunch - mainly friendly, not so much pretty :-) And, we've all had those D'Oh moments.