Hi guys

my manual reads to not drive on "dry hard surfaces" which means the road. I obviously know to use it when driving through mud, dirt, snow but what about wet roads?

thanks

Robert

 

Robert,

Anytime you need extra traction/control. If you feel you need it on wet pavement, go for it. I usually put it in 4x4 when there is standing or running water on the road, especially if speeds are above 40 mph.

--Dave

 

Using 4x4 on the road will screw your front drive system to crap. I only use 4x4 when 2wd wont go anywhere. After I get out of what ever situation I was in, I turn it off. I think wet roads are fun, there's nothing wrong with getting a little "greasy" on rain slick roads, its fun.

 

Well, I'm still uncertain about the operation of the ABS system when in 4WD mode. Does it still work? Maybe driving around in 4WD will enhance handling in certain situations, but remember, you still gotta stop!

If you feel you need 4WD to drive safely at 55 mph or higher because of slippery conditions, then you are probably driving too fast to stop safely.

 

A very good friend of mine that owns his own driveline repair shop told me to stay in 2wd until you get stuck. As for going into 4x4 on the road/hwy, he strongly suggested I didn't. The reason is because there MUST be a difference in the rate of wheel spin between the front tires and the rear tires. In other words if you're just cruising at say 50 mph there is likely NO difference between the front and rear tires. The only times you will have a difference is when accelerating hard. This will cause damage to the transfer case internals and he gets in many SUVs and pickups with big repair bills. The ONLY vehicles that can be safley driven on the road in 4wd are those that have fluid coupling between the front and the rear, not mechanical. So basically a 4x4 is only good for getting started or getting yourself unstuck.


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99 2wd S/C s/b XLT 4.6 Triton auto. w/3.08
BONE STOCK...for now
and
2000 Lariat SC 5.4 4x4 3.73 LS

 

This is what the Military taught me about 4 Wheel Drive.

When out on the highway you should be in 2wd. If you are driving around on City streets and find yourself in thick slush or snow/mud, flip on the 4wd and hammer through it. Once the obstruction is clear, switch back to 2wd. Obviously 4wd is great offroad or one unpaven slippery roads.
4low should only be used if you are in danger of/or are Stuck. As soon as you are clear change to 4wd high or 2wd.

With the shift on the Fly in the cab, this is simple and easy. I learned back in the day when I had to get out of the cab and lock the hubs to engage 4wd...the rule then was, the person driving when the truck gets stuck is the one who kneels down in the Knee deep mud to reach the wheele hub ! Been there...done that !

Hope this helps

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BigJohn

99 F-150 XLT Sport Extended Cab 4X4 In a Wonderful Red - Grey Interior
4.6 liter Triton V8

K&N Air Filter
Black Ironhorse Full Brush Guard
Black Extang Platinum Tonno Cover
Black Weston Step Bars
Ford moulded mud guards
Pendaliner Full Box Liner
The Envied stares of all my neighbors !

 

I put mine in when I am turning the trailer around and the wheels start to slip on the gravel driveway. Then as soon as I am clear I go back to 2H. Also engage it once a month for a few feet to keep everything lubricated and turning.

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97 F-150 SC Lariat, Styleside, White over Gold, 4.6L (Windsor), Automatic, 3.55 rear end, electronic 4X4, w/ every option of Lariat and ORP packages except the 17" wheels (I even got the OR decals now!) MOD's so far: K&N air box mod, Gibson Super Truck, clear Bugflector II, Leer TSC 600 hard cover, Bridgestone Dueler OWL ATP 265/75 R-16's, TrailMaster Invader N7 shocks, Smittybilt step bars, Ford moulded mud guards, "White-white" head lamps, Cloud Rider Design's SS Grill and bumper opening, Bosch Platinum + 4's, Hayden 30K+ Tranny Cooler,Class III Reece load distributing hitch system and wiring, Electronic Brake controller, Superchip

 

thanks guys for the info.

Robert

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99 F150 Xtracab 4X4 XLT
5.4 liter Flairside
3.73 gears
all stock for now

 

notirT- What does your friend say about using 4x4 on the highway when it is snowcovered? My general rule of thumb is if the tires are on a surface that will allow the tires to slip and not bind the drivetrain then I'll feel safe using it. Is this a proper way of judging when it is safe to use 4x4 or not? Any input? Thanks.

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98' F-150, Off Road, Short Box, Blue, 4.6, K&N, Auto, Captain Chairs, Dual Exhaust
Alpine CD Player, (2) 10" Rockford Fosgate Subwoofers and a big ol' Arctic Cat
sticker on the rear sliding window!!!!! Soon to be chipped!!!

 

ZRracer, you've got the right idea.

 

You wonder when Ford will offer full time 4 wheel drive.I personally think the price they charge for part-time 4wd is absurd,since you can only use it on loose surfaces. I think some people buy 4wd and assume you can use it any time. It's funny,you can use full time 4wd with an Expedition,but Ford won't offer it for trucks.

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1999 F150 XLT 2WD Harvest Gold 6'bed 120"WB 4.2 Auto A.R.E. CX Cap BedRug

 

The "full-time" 4WD is actually AUTOMATIC 4WD in the Exedition. The clutches that engage the front to >5% are slow to react and can actually cause problems controlling the vehicle.

When in 4HI, the same rules as those being discussed here, apply to the Expedition. And, with the '99+ models, you don't get a 2HI option on the Exp. I'd personally rather have the floor shifter. Too many problems with the SOF/A4WD in my '97.

Neal

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1997 4x4 Expedition- 4.6L, true dual exhaust w/glass-packs, K&N air filter, SuperChip, airbox mods, Edelbrock shocks, 285/75R16 BFG ATs, Optima "T-Bone" wheels, 4.10 gears, Auburn LS, Clarion In-dash CD player, Smitty Bilt push bars and nerf bars!!

2000 4x2 F150 XLT Reg. Cab LWB- 5.4L, Tow Pkg, 3.55LS, CD player,Remote Keyless Entry, Sliding back glass, Special Appearance Pkg.

http://members.visualcities.com/NoMo

 

When road conditions are too slick for a 4x2. Sometimes, I barely tap the gas in the snow and it wont go anywhere, thats when I need 4x4.

 

I have a 2003 expedition, when in 4 hi it sometimes squeals when backing up.
It doesn't do it everytime only sometimes and only when on 4 hi.

 

So you won't damage anything buy getting into 4L and 4H every other month for a few feet just to make sure nothing seizes up etc? It will probably be rare that I will ever use my 4WD. (just wanted it to have it )

-Brian