This may have been discussed but I haven't found it yet. Has anyone feared switching their trucks into 4-WD while meaning to turn the fan on? I haven't done it yet, but was wonderin' if anyone had come up with any ideas for a decent looking cover or something like that. I'm guessing it wouldn't hurt if you shifted into 4-HI going down the highway, and 4-LO requires the truck to be in neutral. Any ideas?

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'97 F-150 Lariat Ext. Cab 4X4

• White/Silver
• 4.6L, Auto.
• Bugshield/Bedmat/Toolbox/Tinted Windows
• 265/75/16 BFGoodrich on polished 16x8 AR-136's
• Cat-back Dual Exhaust

 

Ever see those flip up clear plastic covers they use over the "NUKE" button in war movies? Might not be a bad idea in this case.

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Boss™

Just Ordered 2001 F-150 Lariat, Oxford White/Silver 4x4, medium graphite leather, SC, SB, SS, 99L 5.4L, 44E tran, 7700# payload, Class III Tow, 3.73LS, Skids, Capts chairs, 4W disc ABS, shift-on-fly, keyless, HD everything
Planned Mods:
"Protected by Smith&Wesson" sticker, Westin Chromed Stainless Nerf Bars, ARE LS II bed cover, Bedrug™, Gibson Swept Side Cat Back, K&N filter w/airbox mods, headers, Superchip, 3" body lift with at least 33's, alarm/pager/auto start system, stereo system

 

That was suggested by a co-worker--similar to what they use on some airplane switches. Thanks

 

Been there and done that. It will happen. Not to worry as long as you are not going over 55 at the time. You will get used to it eventually.

 

I did it once to. I don't think it hurts anything.

 

I've done it a few times and then quickly switched it back.

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97 F-150 S/C 4x4 ORP XLT 4.6 K&N , Flowmaster w/dual tailpipes, Bosch+4 plugs,Ford 9mm wires,Superchip.Patriot fiberglass toneau cover, Westin chrome step bars. Rear seat lift 4".
Kenwood 4011 stereo, USAcoustics 2150 amp, Profile electronic 3 way crossover, 2 10" IDQ DVC's, and Polk Dx7 5x7/6x8 3 ways in the front doors.

FUTURE PERFORMANCE MODS:
4.10 gears, Edlebrock shocks, Magnacharger, Airaid, and slotted rotors.

OTHER FUTURE MODS:
Ram Air hood w/functional ram air, suspension lift, 17" polished wheels, 35" tires, and sunroof.

 

Well, I guess if everybody is still rollin' it must not hurt anything too bad. Thanks for the reassurance.

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'97 F-150 Lariat Ext. Cab 4X4

• White/Silver
• 4.6L, Auto.
• Bugshield/Bedmat/Toolbox/Tinted Windows
• 265/75/16 BFGoodrich on polished 16x8 AR-136's
• Cat-back Dual Exhaust
• Polar Bear Grille Guard

 

Just from what I know, it shouldn't hurt anything if only done once or twice, but if done more than that, it will eventually cause added wear to the vaccum inside the transfer case, and probably to the chain/belt inside the transfer case as well. That is why I opt for the lever on the floor, might take some more room out of the cab, but then I am sure not to make that mistake of switching it when I am cruising down the interstate.....to me that is a not a good thing, never have switched the 4x4 in at anything over 30 mph, and have never had problems....have had 3 4x4 trucks....all with lever pulls in them...not a switch on the dash. My 4x4 gets used a lot as well....just my two cents....

 

Thanks! Yea, I know what you mean, I kinda miss my old trucks with the shift on the floor. Although, I don't miss getting out to turn the hubs in the mud. I'm used to shifting into 4x4 at low or no speeds, that's why I was wondering what a 70 mph accidental engage would do to the truck. Thanks again.

 

Probably nothing. Don't recommend it though.
Another thought on these electronic shift on the fly (ESOF) systems is to engage it at least once a month for a few hundred feet to keep everthing moving, shift selenoids freed up and lubed. That way it will be working when you need it. Or at the very least you will discover it when you don't and can get it fixed. I always did this and never had any problems with ESOF system. Those that have had problems usualy waited until they needed it that one time a year to try it. And it was stuck. Almost all who test it monthly have no problems with this system.

Again, as for the ****, you will make the mistake only once or twice and then get used to looking out for it.