My 96 f150 4x4 ("on the fly" - electric) will not engage the front end. While trying to get out of some snow last winter, I heard some popping from the front end and the 4x4 would not work. Prior to this, I had not used the four wheel drive for quite a long time. When I jacked the truck up, the front drive shaft would spin when the 4x4 button was pressed but the front tires stayed still. Can you give me some ideas? Would converting the hubs to a manual system solve the problem?

Thanks,

Ray

 

Manual hubs are the way to go man. I'll bet you 10-1 that will fix your probplem.

 

I think I will take you up on your advice, but help me understand what is going on. If I took off the outside hub covers, would I see the front axle spinning & just not engaging the cogs? Is the problem likely from lack of use?

Thank you for your information & can I get the manual hubs at an Autozone or Checker?

Ray

 

That sounds about right. I could probably tell you a lot more if I were there to see it. I put my truck in four wheel drive once a month weather I need to or not just to keep things from going south on me. Never engaging 4x4 is a very common mistake, and can be costly is you can't fix it your self.

If I were you I would go with WARN hubs. They make the best for the price and are easy to find. Here is a link to a pretty good deal. http://www.my4by.com/warn-premium-ma...150-p-428.html

What I usually do is find a good deal online, then go to my local 4x4 shop and see if they can meet or beat the price so I don't have to wait for it or pay for shipping. (If they want your buisness they usually will). It's also nice to make friends at the 4x4 shops and support the local economy.

 

When I took off the outside cover (3 screw), there was what looked like an aluminum cap inside. How does it come off & do I need a special tool?

Thank you for your info.

rd