Since we have snow and I drive a lot I have a question regarding the 4x4. Today I was driving and had to switch it on as the snow was getting deep and I had to drive over a grader ridge. I didnt stop or anything and just flicked it on 4h. If all the tires are going the same speed will this do anything? Dealer said it is 4x4 on the fly so I just flicked in it. No grinding or popping so im guessing it was alright.

Not used to this 4x4 as usually on my old old dodge I had to stop, shift it in and back up a bit.

 

This is what i learned early on to as it puts less stress on the tranny.While i'm driving and i need to switch to 4wd,i put it in nuetral and then switch it to 4wd then back to drive.

 

I was thinking that also. But when I did switch the truck didnt lose power or shift or feel like anything was happening. I wasnt going fast by any means. Let up on the gas when I shifted.

Im gonna try the neutral thing.

Thanks

 

They recommend not doing this over 55mph its in the owners manual. I try to only do it from a stop with the truck in park. Do not ever shift into 4x4 low while moving. In fact in my 04 you can't you have to be completely stopped with the truck in nuetral for 4x4 low to engage.

lol in fact I still back up 10 feet when I take it from 4x4 to 4x2 which is no longer needed as well, but I guess old habits die hard

 

When I took my 08 f150 for the test drive the dealer had me pop it in and out of 4x4 Hi going down the road. I've never had to stop to click in 4x4 High for any Ford truck I've driven (1988 to present) although none were manual transfer case. The system is designed to be engaged while moving, that's why its called Shift-on-the-Fly. They all DID require stopping & neutral for 4x4 low, of course, otherwise the light just flashes and will not engage.

 

Yup, you can shift into 4WD while travelling up to 55mph and there should be no problem. Have this system in my '06 F150, and had it in my '02 F150 and '99 Ranger. Never a 4WD issue with any. Now I do let off the gas pedal and coast while it engages, but only stop/neutral when I need 4LO, which is rare. At least it's not my '80 F150 or '85 Ranger where I had to stop, get out lock the hubs and shift into 4HI or 4LO.

 

Thanks guys.

Almost needed to do it again when heading north for the day. Ran into a huge blizzard and crappy roads.

 

Funny how we get in these habits. I recently bought a 2006 XLT to replace my 2000 Lariat (wrecked it - darn). I took a glance at the Toyota Tundra and the sales guy did the disengage 4x4, back up a bit, and then forward. Somehow that rubbed off on my as I use 4x4 to climb my steep gravel drive and am in the habit of turning it off just as I crest the top and then back up into my parking space and forward a bit.

BTW, I have only owned this truck a couple weeks and went to the dealer today to get the replacement solenoid part with the covered hood. Mechanic at the desk what part I was getting and he was incredibly nice about how that was a good idea and asked if I had experienced any of the grinding yet. The only caution he offered for a rookie was to warn about bleeding any water out of the system. I don't have the problem (yet) so I will replace the part and maybe have my garage check out the system when I have it serviced soon.

 

I always throw it in neutral as a habit as well...doesn't hurt to be safe. And on another topic how the hell is it blizzarding up there?!? Its damn 95 degrees with 100percent humidity down here! Heat index today was 106!

 

All I have to say SNOW...It is 95 degrees in the shade here in Florida....