I've had no problems driving in snow with the F150. I drive in 2wd unless it gets dicey or I'm not sure about the road conditions. I don't leave it in 4wd as that will cause damage.

4wd does require more attention and skill than automatic awd but I like knowing when I'm in 4x4 that it is locked in. AWD is great for what it is though.

Welcome

 

I've hit black ice in the winter. fun stuff. Its like drifting only I wasn't in my little nissan anymore. its still nothing that anyone with prior rwd experience couldn't handle. it's just not a pretty sight seeing a big *** truck drifting sideways

 

Ok...good info guys. What's the top speed for switching it "on the fly" into 4wd?

 

It says in your manual, I think it is around 80km/hr, so 50 miles/hour.

I should add that I have been very happy with the F150 in the winter, it handles well overall. I have a Screw and I think it is balanced fairly well (enough weight on the rear tires so that I don't need to add any). Like the other I just put it in 4hi when conditions are bad.

 

Yeah I have a screw too and last year I didn't put any weight in the back. I won't this year so I don't kill my MPG, unless I'm heading into worse weather knowing there will be a lot of snow or if I'm going up north for the weekend.

Duke

 

When you are in doubt just put it in 4HI. I would rather ruin a transfer case that can be easily replaced instead of ending up with some body damage.

 

Arent transfer cases upwards of 1k? and I bet your insurance doesnt cover that let alone an extended warranty since it would be classified as abuse, atleast if you needed body work your insurance would take care of it the downside beign if you got hurt.

 

Quoting from the manual:

Shifting between 2H (2WD High) and 4H (4WD High)
• Move the 4WD control between 2H and 4H at any forward speed up to 55 mph (88 km/h).

Note: Do not perform this operation at speeds above 45 mph (72 km/h) if the outside temperature is below 32°F (0°C).
Note: Do not perform this operation if the rear wheels are slipping.
Note: Some noise may be heard as the system shifts or engages; this is normal.

 

I don't know what tires your truck came with [mine had the Generals] and the first thing I did was replace the tires. Those Generals have to be the worst tire in either rain or snow. Look at a good snow rated tire, makes a huge difference. I changed to Bridgestone Dueler AT Revos at 400 miles and was amazed at the difference in both the rain and snow.

Here is a link to the Tirerack survey on AT Tires. The Generals are at the bottom on everything. Also has ice traction.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey....jsp?type=ORAT

Another possibility would be a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter...

Woof
Bowser

 

drive with confidence......... no need to worry...... just dont do 80 on ice.. i see beater 2wds alwas driving dont see why you cant handle a 40k newer rig in the winter................

 

Can you shift into 4H from a standstill? Also, does the trans have to be in N for 4H and 4L? I have the manual in the glove, but I'm curious now and prefer instant gratification.

 

I drive like i normally do, just a tad slower, and with the heater on. But then again i see sleet/ice maybe 2-3 days a year

But when we do have ice, its off to a big parking lot to do some icey donuts!
-Patrick

 

understanding the differences between your old AWD and your new 4WD truck. Your truck has no way to allow the axle speeds to differ, so if you drive in 4WD on dry pavement and turn even a little, it puts a hell of a strain on the transfer case and other driveline components.

Put in in 4WD when you are in mud, snow or ice only... rain does not count!! Don't expect to put it in 4WD while driving in a heavy rain and have better traction- Not!!

Mud, snow, or ice - otherwise you WILL tear it up.

 

If its icy I just drive my wife's 02 Taurus with traction control and anti-lock brakes. I used to drive on Mi roads on service calls all day all weather. You can get used to it.
But with black ice (4x4) 4 times 0 still = 0.

 

Yes you can shift into 4H from a standstill.
No the trans doesn't have to be in N to shift it to 4H.