I am thinking of buying a 97 F250 4x4 V8 regular cab with an auto transmission. This truck is super clean and only has 21K miles. When I put the truck in 4H or 4L, and drive real slow, the transmission seems to fall in and out of gear. It is really subtle. Is this normal? I've had 4x4s before but never an automatic transmission, so I really don't know. Also when turning in 4WD, the wheels shudder a little bit. I tried a 2001 4WD and the same thing happened, so that must be normal, but the falling in and out of gear was less apparent. The salesguy said that this was normal, but I wonder......Is there any way to check the integrity of the 4WD and/or transmission before I buy it? Thanks for any hints.

 

A 97 F-250, is that the old style truck, or the 250LD that looks like a new style F-150? Totally different 4WD systems between those two. Are you doing this testing on dry pavement in 4WD? If so, the shuddering on turns is drivetrain windup between front and rear drive axles trying to let loose somewhere, and is normal. Even in a straight line you can feel some chuggle depending on real diameter differences between front and rear tires. Really need to test out 4WD on a surface with some slip - dirt, gravel, snow, grass.

 

the trans shouldn't do this at all.
Never.

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http://a1060.g.akamai.net/f/1060/597...b/ff6165cd.gif Dr.(wife says i'm spoiled) Jones.
2000 F-150 5.4L
AUTO,SC-sb 4x4-XLT, 3.55LS, 8.8 front- 9.75 rear, sidesteps, sprayed in liner, 17"wheels ORP, trailer-tow pkg, CD, Cpt chairs, 4whl ABS, Keyless Entry, Airbox silencer removed/K&N, Amsoil(transfercase, motor, rearend), 3" custom dynomax ultra flow catback, as an anniversary gift. With a best of 18.5 MPG.
kjones02@elp.rr.com waiting for the 275hp PSD