Looks like I picked up a nail and the tire can't be repaired. They're pushing hard to sell me a full set because of the 4 wheel drive. Do I really need to replace all 4 tires?

 

Unless your current tires are in good shape and you can get the same size, model, etc. then you'll at least want the same tires on both ends of a given axle.

 

You need to evaluate the tread life on your present tires to make a decision on replacing with a good used tire.
When you would have expected to replace all 4 etc.
Cost the same now or later for all 4 new tires.
Only difference is how long you can delay, to wear out what you have now, before the full replacement point has to be made.
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I had the same 'luck' and replace with a good tire of the same brand.
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You need to evaluate wear if the front tires show a need for Alignment on top of new tires, as an added cost.
My second time was wear on a front tire. Replaced with another good tire from the same shop, got an alignment and all is good until this fall when 4 new tires will be installed. because the tread will be down close to the min. Bar indicator in the tread pattern if you look.
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Shops always have good used tires at low cost because they talk the consumer into all replacement before they are actually needed, like your case may be.
There will always be pressure to buy new ones, so you have to take charge of the situation from a commonsense point, that fits your needs and cost.
It's a matter of getting full use out of the tires you have and planning the time and expense wisely.
Good luck.
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Thanks. All 4 tires are only have 2,000 miles on them and are in good shape. I'm thinking that this might be the sign I need to go up to 33's. The questions now are should I and if so, what should I go with for a pavement pounder?

 

And they’re pushing to sell you four NEW ones? Find a new tire shop or at least talk to to the manager and shift salesmen. You really should be able to get a matching replacement since your other tires are so new.

 

The replace all four on a 4x4 argument is based on tire diameter. Worn tires are a bit smaller than new. Thus differential clutches would constantly slip when tires of unequal size were installed on the axle.

The argument didn’t apply to yesteryears 2x4s because their open differentials had no clutches to wear out. Nowadays almost every F150 comes with open differentials (since 2012).

With only 2000 miles on the tires I’d just replace the one. Even though I have limited slip clutches in the rear differential the diameter difference couldn’t be much at all.

 

Unless the nail went into the sidewall, I don't understand how the tire could be junk from a nail. I somehow ran over a flat file laying in the road that penetrated my tire which destroyed it with more than an inch gash. You must have ran over pole barn nail or larger.

 

I'm trying to figure that out too because I haven't seen it. It's currently a slow leak requiring air every few days so I might just keep filling it.

 

1) confirm the tire can't be replaced -asked them to explain in detail why they are unable to plug and patch it. Sidewall is an immediate omission, tread not so much.
2) With 2,000 miles on the tires you are probably fine with your 4x4.
As mentioned by others, if the tire is worn too much you will have 4x4 engagement issues if the axles can't rotate exact same speed. Shift will occur, it could become harsh though.

Is the shop you have visited a reputable shop are are they a road-side shop hoping to find a person to prey on.
All Wheel drive vehicles would be more critical than your 4x4 so they are not entirely wrong, -you should be able to gamble and replace one tire. Or visit a different shop since it sounds like you have a slow leak. Don't ignore the problem, but don't buy 4 tires today on a whim, or even 1 tire. If you do purchase one, make sure it is an identical tire -not just "a tire" to get you by.

Ford tech demonstrating a bad shift with 4 tires claimed to be the same size.

 

please, Please, PLEASE!!!! RUN from this tire shop! They obviously are only interested in selling you a new set of tires to replace your new set of tires. If it's only a small leak, I seriously doubt it can't be fixed. The worst case scenario is that you need ONE new tire. Otherwise they simply robbing you.