I posted this under the general info secion, but probably should have posted in this section:

"Im new to the forums, hoping to get some advice from some fellow f150 owners on a problem I am having with my 4 wheel drive on my recently purchased 2008 f150. Im from Minnesota and we recently had our first snowfall..the roads we slick so I put it in 4 wheel drive. I heard a click and the 4x4 Hi lights came on the dash, but my front wheels wont engage. I was sliding all over the place... Has anyone had this problem before or know what could be going on? Any help would be much appreciated! thanks!! "

 

i had to fix the 4x4 on my truck about a month ago.. i went out on the beach in 4HI and it wouldnt pull in the front and i took it in the shop and it was my front hubs were stripped out and needed an actuator.. cost about 500 bucks.. hope this helps any

 

Wow $500 to fix? So you need a new actuator and new hubs? Just curious, anyone know an easy way to make sure the 4wd system is working properly? I would hate to have snow then turn on 4HI to find out its not working and I'm sliding off the road.

 

Dang, I hope it isnt going to cost that much. I am pretty bummed out about it, its snowing now and i am staying home because I'm afraid to take it out on the roads again if they get bad...

 

I read some thread where someone said you might have to get under your truck and hit the transfer case with a rubber mallet because it might be sticking and hitting it will allow it to engage in 4wd.

 

yeah it was 500 to fix it sucked pretty bad.. i hope yall dont have that with your trucks..

the safest way is to either go to a local shop and just ask them to put your truck on lift to make sure its all working properly..

 

https://www.f150forum.com/f4/4x4-tro...g-guide-39789/

 

The above posted link is pretty helpful. As well, I have heard of the rubber mallet trick working on our trucks, but it seems that most of the 4wd problems always stem from issues with the Vacuum system/IWE solenoid.

 

Well...New front driverside actuator and new IWE solenoid and I once again have working 4 wheel Drive!!