Johnnyh55

So I have found a lot of info on the IWE system for the 2004 and newer trucks but I wasn't able to find much info on how the 4x4 system works on the pre 2004 trucks. So on a 2003 F150 4WD with ESOF with all 4 wheels on the ground, does the front drive shaft rotate while driving? I have a squeaking noise coming from the front of the truck while driving and it goes up and down with the speed of the truck and I thought it might be the front u-joints since they have never been replaced and the truck has 186 000 miles, but if the front drive shaft doesn't turn in 2WD that rules them out.

Martian

It shouldn't. The transfer case shouldn't have the front shaft activated.

hellbent

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/92...97-2003-a.html

Johnnyh55

Ya I seen this thread but didn't find how the cv axle shafts are locked into the hubs? Are they always engage and it's just the front diff and transfer case that engage and disengage? If so, even if the transfer case and diff are disengage, from what I understand it's only the right front axle that is disconnected in 2wd? Wouldn't the left front wheel still be connected and turn the diff hence turn the front drive shaft?

Red-Ford

The front drive shaft should not spin in 2wd while driving. Get under your truck while parked, you can't move the rear drive shaft, but the front will spin freely. You could also have your phone recording while you drive over it just to make sure.

HillbillyRich

False information! A live or solid front axle does spin while the truck is moving when in two-wheel drive. When the truck is stopped you cannot spin the front shaft by hand because it's connected to the wheels. Jack up the truck then you can spin the front shaft and the wheel will spin.

techrep

iTrader: (1)

We don't have solid front axles. When the transfer case is in 2wd and the IWE's are dis-engaged the front drive shaft will not turn while driving.

HillbillyRich

Aah OK it's clearer now. I did some research on these weird ESOF & IWE abbreviations. According to some bozo at https://www.tomorrowstechnician.com/...ed-wheel-ends/ Ford's IWE system didn't come out until 2004. I did some further research and I realize you guys are referring to etronically locking hubs which were used in Fords prior to 2004. The secret acronym society will get ya every time! I wish I had push button 4WD like on my old '99 F-150 (May her ashes rest in peace after ignoring an electrical issue every time it rained) but then again my replacement F-150, a 2003, with 4WD floor shifter has fewer parts to go wrong I guess and boy does she have some torque when in low.

Martian

Hello old thread, my old frieeeeend