Hello All,

I just registered and searched through the forums but could not find any reference to this issue. Before I begin I'll just point out that this is a 2004 F150 extended cab FX4 with 106k miles. I recently replaced the ball joints and installed Rancho Quicklift shocks/springs. Last month Ford replaced the drivers side IWE (Independent Wheel End) to fix the 4x4 not engaging at all.

So the problem I have not is that the 4x4 does engage however I cannot drive forward or reverse. In jacking up the front end (engine running) I can confirm that in 2wd both front tires spin freely (no movement on front axle - either side). However in 4wd Hi when I spin the drivers side tire in the 'forward' direction the passenger side will spin as if the truck is going in 'reverse'. Since thing when I try manually moving the passenger tire in the 'forward' direction the drivers side go 'reverse'. I've included a link to a YouTube video to demonstrate.

http://youtu.be/028pPm24enA

This issue has me completely stumped. I know I have to bring the truck in for an alignment but that's taking a backseat to this issue.

Thanks in advance for any ideas/tips/suggestions. I've tried to include as much detail (and I did search the forum/Internet) to avoid looking like a newb. Thanks!

--J5

 

Its called an open differential. Theres nothing wrong with it. Your rear end will do it too unless you have a limited slip rear end.

 

If you turn the drive shaft by hand both tires will move in the same direction. There is nothing wrong with what the video shows.

 

Why is it that when I drive forward in 4x4 Hi that my passenger tire spins forward normally while my driver side does not spin and 'skips' because something holding it in place? There is a 6-8" section of the drivers side tire that is scrapped like it's being dragged across the asphalt.

 

Post up a video of your truck driving in a straight line in 4 hi.

 

Some thing is locked in the front diff or the transfer case remove the front drive shaft if that fixes it it is in the transfer case if not its prubably a broken gear in the front diff causeing it to lock up. You wont notice it in 2 wheel drive because the hubs unlocked bubbabud

 

If its the drivers side tire, and Ford replaced the drivers side IWE (?), then id take it straight back to Ford. Tell them it seems like they messed up something and see if they would check it out for ya.

 

This is scheduled to be heading back to Ford on Thursday but since I requested the IWE be swapped out they will charge me a $80 diagnostic fee if it turns out to not be related to their work. I'm hoping to figure it out before Ford. I'll try and get the 4Hi video up tonight.

Mod: can this be moved back to 2004-2008 please? I mistakenly put the truck year as 2002 before.

 

That's what happens when you use 4x4 on the asphalt.
It's telling you that something bad is about to happen.

 

4x4 don't drive it engaged on cement or asphalt. Simple rule, it binds up and messes up the front axle. Take it out in the dirt and see if it works ok. It should. The tires have to slip a little as the gears are all locked in. If it is broken you'll know it, whir, whir, whir, nithin going on in that axle.