We had our first ice/snow mess this morning and it got me to thinking about an issue I've had with my four wheel drive.

I have a '98 w/ the 5.4 V8, 170,000 miles. When I engage the 4 wheel drive (I have the switch on the dash) it works, but within a minute there starts a strange sound. It is hard to describe but it sounds almost like the front wheels are only partially engaged. It's a troubling sound, so I only used 4 wheel drive last year rarely.

Like I said, the truck handles as if all four wheels are engaged, it just makes a hellacious noise. Also, the switch turns all the way to 4 Low without having to be in neutral. I'm not sure if that is related or not.

Thanks for any input!

 

Moved to correct section.

Also, have you ever checked your differential fluid level? It might be super low....possibly.....

 

Thanks...I saw some other threads about similar problems and will start checking their suggestions, too.

 

it could be that the vacuum operated hubs (actuators) arent engaging all the way. i was just working on a 05 f150 with the same problem and the actuator wasnt fully locking in.

 

When my 4WD wasn't working, it ended up being a worn out transfer case shift fork. I don't know if it ever worked until I fixed it, so I don't know if the sounds were the same as yours when it was going out. Just something to keep in mind...