Gieryic

I've got a 2013 Ford F150. I live in Alaska, and it's common for the highway (70mph) to be clear and for the rest of the roads to be snowy / icy. I'm curious if anyone has opinions on what is better for the truck - leaving it in 4WD all the time (including on the highway), or switching it from 4WD to 2WD on the highway, and back to 4WD after I get off. That would be four times a day, so I'm thinking that must wear on the truck as well.

Thanks!

Daximus

Leaving it in 4WD on the highway is tough on the transfer case, hubs, and drive line in general. Switching it back and forth simply engages the hubs. Hubs, and their engaging devices are cheaper to repair, so I would switch in and out as I enter and leave pavement. My 2 cents.

jeffinthebag

I switch constantly from 2 to 4 and back depending on the road surface. I never had a problem on any vehicle shifting on the fly. I just lift off the gas and coast till it engages to be safe.

AutoLysis

I flip it back and fourth here in Ohio. Was under the impression that the 4wd/locker disengages above 25 mph specifically to prevent damage to the unit...

Adam013085

You don't want to use 4x4 on a clear road for the most part anyway.

SteveLord

You're not suppose to be using 4WD at high speeds. Frankly there should not be any reason to be driving near 70mph in poor weather/road conditions in the first place. And definitely do not use 4WD on dry pavement or all the time. Big no no.

gone postal

With an old 4WD system, yes. With the new systems in these truck, I wouldn't worry about it.


The OP stated that the highways are clear, the side streets are a mess, hence the question about switching back and forth between the two. Been down this road on the forum before, it's completely dependent on the road and the conditions.

Yeppers.

pprior

Auto 4WD <> 4WD

Roads covered in snow I use 4WD HI
Salted pavement I used 4 Auto

It's absurd that Ford even sells a truck without 4 auto.

Cord

That's the electronic differential, transfer case is still manual (unless you have a 'A' position on the ****).

I shift in and out all the time. Today, on dry pavement, I left it in 4wd the whole drive to work and only realized my error when I made a sharp turn and felt the drive line wrap up. It's definitely not the best thing to do, but I've seen bigger auto sins.

I'm not a fan of "Auto" because it's too slow to engage.

SteveLord

I mentioned because I have seen other people mention it or ask about it. People ending up in the ditch are always because of their own doing, unless another vehicle knocked them into it.