Well I just bought a 2008 f150 stx 4x4 a few months ago and I am going out to my ranch this weekend so I wanted to test it out.. I did what the manual says and that is to put the truck in manual to switch into 4x4 and I don't know if I am just dumb but when I did that I slightly grinded the gears when trying to engage it. I have owned a 4x4 before but not the 4x4 in the floor so its a little bit different.

If anyone can give me some advice I just dont want to ruin it... maybe I am just dumb.. either way any advice would be much appreciated!

 

i have an 06 with the 4x4 shifter on the floor and i always put it in neutral then shift into 4x4 with no problems .. hope that helped a little

 

If you are shifting into 4hi then you can do it in drive, if you are shifting into 4lo then do it in neutral.

 

Yeah, I had an 05 a couple years ago and I had the same problem with the grinding. I put the truck in neutral and shifted it and then it was fine. Also, you should be able to put the truck in 4x4 high with no problems. Its usually when you put it in 4x4 low that you need to shift to neutral to engage the transfer case. My new truck has the electronic switch, but its the same thing. You still need to shift to neutral for it to engage.

 

oh and another thing. If you try to put it into 4wd on a HIGH TRACTION surface you will get a bind up and abunch of clatter. This will also cause damage if continously tried.

 

With trans in N and shifting from 4H to 4L you should move in a single motion don't stop in the Neutral position, therefore you shouldn't get any grinding but you will feel some feedback on the stick.

 

they make 4hi to be engaged on the fly, this is so that you can keep momentum that momentum can be the determining factor if you get stuck or not. This can also be the determining factor if your truck pulls the boat up the ramp or you slide down into the water with it. < ive seen that happen... not fun

 

Thanks for the info guys... Another thing I noticed on the shifter *** it says... to puch it forward to put it into 4x4 high and then pull back for 4x4 low but i cannot go forward at all which is really weird, only go back... I am just gonna need to go out and try it again I was just scared to try it again because i felt the grinding noise ahhh.

 

The shifter should be setup like my 99.

2hi
4hi
neutral
4lo

everything is back towards you.

 

forward for 4H? I believe older chevy's are like that.

But your shift patten is like 4.2trimble said.

 

My 03 has the electronic 4wd switch so I don't know if it applies, but the my manual says to expect some noise when engaging 4wd and that it's normal.


Bob

 

Some noise yes grinding however no. Like they said it should be a smooth motion from 2hi to 4hi like shifting a manual.

 

Thanks for the info guys! I really apprechiate the info. I will try what yall have provided me. I am just new to the 4x4 on floor and didnt want to screw anything up. Is it recommend I be on some type of offroad terrain or does it matter?

this site rocks!!!

 

They say that you shouldnt use your 4wd on dry pavement. To me, snow is the best to test out the 4x4 but you being from Texas, good luck with that! If i were you I'd try to find something you can spin those tires in! Sand, mud, whatever floats your boat! That way you can feel the 4wd working and try out the different gears in different terrains. Hi, lo, even 2wd, and in this terrain you wont hurt anything.