Hello all,

I have a 2004 (new style) F150 automatic, 5.4L with manual shift 4x4, 61,000 miles.

While in 2wd there is no noise and all is fine. When I shift it into 4wd I get a whine that I can hear through the manual shifter. Here are some symptoms:

If I move the shifter it changes pitch but does not go away.
If I accelerate the noise is there.
If I slow down the noise is there.
If I am coasting with no load the noise goes away.

Anyone else have this noise or know what may be causing it? It almost sounds like there is no oil in the case and the gears are making the sound but I haven't been able to check the fluid level yet and there have been no signs of leakage. Or maybe the linkage is rubbing on something and vibration is going through the shifter and into the cab, again I have not been under the truck to take a look.

Thanks for any info.

 

Check the oil first. If it is low I would change it and check for metal in the oil. Some of the 97+ models had a whine noise that carried up through the shifter and the cure was insulators at the shifter mounting points.