When shifting from 4 high into 4 low, are there any other changes besides a lower gear? For example, does both front wheels lock in?

I have the electronic shift on a 2003 4x4.

Thanks

 

Hello cowboykent,

The transfer case simply shifts into a lower gear. Both front wheels do not lock. The front wheels are engaged in the differential by a vacuum motor when you shift into 4H/4L, the F-150 does not have automatic or manual locking hubs. Your front differential is an open differential (only one wheel gets power), and works the same in 4H and 4L.

 

Is towing in 4h or 4L a good idea? Reason I ask is when backing my boat up my graveled driveway, it is handy to us 4 wheel drive. I have only done this once and used 4L. I haven't been able to find anything in the owners manual saying not to tow in 4 h or 4 L.

Thanks for responding to my first question.

 

cowboykent,

Feel free to tow in any and all gears, your example for towing a boat up a graveled driveway in 4L is one of the best reasons to have four wheel drive!

 

Thanks for the info.

 

very slowly

 

I use 4L to back my #4500 travel trailer into it's parking spot at home all the time. It's up an inclined gravel driveway and I have to make a sharp "S" turn at the top..... I do this to keep the tranny fluid temp from getting too hot and it's a lot easier to manuver the trailer too.

I do have to turn the wheels full lock at times and I can feel where the front wheels are trying to bind, but since I'm on gravel and going .2 mph, it's not a concern.

I've also pulled in 4h on windy gravel roads. I'm only going around 25-30 mph, but it really helps on the curves.

Good luck!

 

Question for rkjerue:

You state that only 1 wheel gets power on an open diff. Is that really the case? AFAIK, both wheels get power as long as there is traction. Once one wheel starts slipping, then it will receive all of the power. Until then, both get power.