Hey guys! Ok I've got a problem with my hubs that I just can't figure out, If I turn the switch to 4x4 hi It won't immediately go into 4x4 mode, I feel the clunk from the transfer case but then only the rear tires spin, but I found out when I first got the truck that one of the vacuum solenoids was bad because when it would rain it would drip right on it and eventually caused it too corrode and not work, well I bought a new vacuum solenoid off the internet along with the protective cover to protect it from water and now just lately it won't engage the hubs, but here is the kicker; If I turn the switch and then go under the hood to the vacuum solenoid I can unplug the two vacuum hoses then replug them back in and then the hubs will be locked in. They don't have any problem disengaging just engaging, if anyone has got any clue of whats going on that would be amazing! It's getting close to duck season and I don't like getting the truck in the mud but it is inevitable and I will need 4x4. Also the truck is a 1997 Ford F150 4x4 with the 5.4 triton, E4OD tranny and red bucket seat interior!

 

First and foremost, you do not have hubs. The front axles always turn. The disconnect is at the diff. There are 2 solenoids on the firewall. One engages the diff, the other disengages. As you have replaced the one solenoid (assuming it was the engage), I would start looking further forward. Make sure there are no cracks in the vacuum line to the diff. Make sure the vacuum motor is not sticking. As it will engage, I do not suspect the shift fork is broken.

 

The solenoids apply vacuum to an actuator mounted near the driver side of the carrier. Follow the hoses.
You need to check this out for total free movement for lock and unlock when the switch on the dash is operated either on or off..
Good luck.

 

OK, guys, same type problem, different vehicle. Have an '06 Scab with the 4.6. 4WD engages from a lever on the floor. Everything seems to engage on the transfer case, but the front hubs won't engage. Sounds like they're spinning, but it's hard to tell by myself. Any thoughts???

 

Think I might have found my answers on the sticky about the IWE problems and repairs. Sounds like actuators and/or solenoids are my problems.

 

As you have an 04 up, you only have 1 solenoid. The 04 up works totally different than the 97-03. On the 04 up, the solenoid sends vacuum to the IWEs that in 2wd disengages the IWE. The default is engaged. If yours are not engaging, it is a good chance they are shot from past problems with them not or partially disengaging.

You really should be looking in the 04 up forums for your answer.

 

Hey guys, sorry I'm suppose to get an email when y'all comment on this thread but I haven't been getting them, but yes kingfish51 I don't have hubs that was my fault I didn't specify, but I have taken the battery box out and inspected the vacuum lines and they seem good, but could It be the cheap O'Reillys vacuum solenoid that I bought? Like I said, It will lock into four wheel drive if I disconnect the vacuum line from the solenoid and then re-connect it. If I just turn the **** the transfer case will lock in but the front diff will not. And then if I want to take it out of four wheel all I have to do is turn the **** back to 2wd and after a moment or two it will go back.

thank you guys for your input

 

It "could" be a bad solenoid, but hard to say. Have you tried using a vacuum gauge to see how much vacuum you are getting when you shift the **** to 4wd, and how much on the other line when you shift to 2wd. If they are equal, you will need to look elsewhere on the vacuum line and vacuum motor.

 

Ok sounds good, I will get back too you on that. Quick question, where is the vacuum motor on that truck?

 

It sits on top the diff. Following the vacuum lines will lead right to it. It's only use is to move the shift fork back and forth to engage/disengage the front diff. Somewhere either in the powertrain forum or the 97-03 there was a diagram of the system posted.