OK, since we are on the subject...

When would you really need to shift into 4H while going 40mph, or going 20mph for that matter? I only ever use 4x4 for mud at my ranch. I see mud copming up I stop, put it in N and engage 4x4. If I'm in 2H and start to spin I stop and engage it.
So, do you guys do this shift on the fly when you hit a wet or icy area on the road or something? Maybe I'm not taking full advantage of my 4 wheel driveness? lol

 

Oh and for the record I just bought my truck and it was used and didn't come with a owners manual. I just ordered one off ebay and should have it in a few days. This is why I don't know a lot of stuff I'm sure is in the manual...

 

I think you'll be alright man. I had the 4r100 in my 98, it got put into reverse like 3 different times going between 40mph-50mph. Cranked right back up everytime. Never had a problem with it.

On my old truck i switched it to 4hi going 70+ many times and it never hurt anything, but i wouldn't do it now, just stay under 50 when you switch it to be on the safe side.

 

It's handy, now you don't have to stop before the mud! It's safer i guess in the ice or wet, but really imo there isn't any need unless your driving like a maniac in crapy conditions, then i'd suggest engaging it.
I just think if your gonna drive normal, it's unecessary wear if your driving normal or your not in ablizzard maybe/

 

There's really no need to stop and shift to neutral to shift into 4x4. You can just shift it a couple hundred feet before the mud and then turn it back off once you are done with it and keep moving the whole time.

I use 4x4 mainly when it snows since I'm in Wisconsin. Though I usually leave it on for the entire storm and a couple days after unless I'm try to move around in a plowed parking lot.

 

So it is safe to engage AND disengage on the move? Not just engage?

 

Yes it is as long as under 55.

 

yep, I do it all the time. Even after I've started to slip in the snow.

 

If you can’t wait for the one you bought on Ebay, here is a link to the Ford website that has all owners’ guides electronically. And they are free!

https://www.flmowner.com/servlet/Con...FREeDQodOH48NQ

 

Yep, that's the wonderful thing about Shift-On-The-Fly systems. You can change between 4HI and 2WD at any time. I engage it while I'm in the snow and then when I am about to pull into a lot turn it off so I don't start binding too much. Leaving it on when it shouldn't be is bad because when things start binding up you are just asking for expensive repair bills.

 

This is good to know fellas. Much grass!

 

Ok while we are on the 4x4 thing, we are going to the mountains next week and plan on being in 4x4 almost the whole time - as long as I am not constantly trying to turn sharp (i am assuming that is where the binding comes in) I should be ok. I always go back to 2WD on the highway but spend hours in 4hi just checking things out in the snow. I wouldnt think that hours on end like that would be harmful?

 

Mine actually works better if im am moving, shifts smoothly. If I stop and put in 4hi and then take off it usually clunks. So I try to do it while moving and its smooth.

 

If your tires touch dry pavement you shouldn't be in 4x4. The tries need to be on a slippery surface (Ice/Snow) so they can slip a little and prevent binding.

Running in 4x4 non stop won't hurt it as long as you stay off pavement or at least don't try to turn on pavement.

I run 4x4 for several days on end when we get bad snows in Milwaukee because my street can sometimes take a day or two to be fully cleared.

 

as long as the road is slick your ok. driving in 4x4 on dry pavement will overheat both diffs and the transfercase and cause them to fail. I recall an expidition where a customer drove 2.5 hours on dry pavement in 4x4 and actually melted the rubber mounts for the front diff it got so hot(customer complaint was smoke from front of vehicle ). pinion seal melted, oil everywhere, pinion bearings destroyed...im surprised it didnt catch on fire. Both diffs and the transfercase were replaced on that vehicle. Tire sizes and gear ratios are never EXACTLY the same front and rear, which causes binding even driving in a strait line. AWD vehicles will have provisions for the t-case to "slip" and avoid this eg. Harley, Limited.