I have a 97 F150 4X4, last weekend when putting my boat a way, I went to put my truck into 4wd and the it would not go into gear, I have the manual lever. When going down the highway I could get it to go into 4 wd occasionally, but not at lower speeds, any one have any ideas of what might need to be replaced before I take it in for service repair.

Thanks

Troy

 

Sounds like you have auto locking hubs. I had the same on a 96 F250.

First thing is you have to have motion for the hubs to engage. If this was done, then it sounds like you have a bad hub or hubs.
Switch to manual locking. Getting out of the truck is not that bad.lol

Mike

 

Actually the 97 to present 4x4s do not have hubs at all. They have a central axle disconnect which seperates the wheels from the gears and driveshaft.

First check the linkages from the lever to the t-case. These are notorious for rusting up and making it difficult or impossible to shift.

If the linkage is free, you may have an issue with the syncros in the t-case. These allow the case to be shifted at any speed. Will the case pop into 4x4 if you slowly roll ahead while pulling on the lever? Have you tried putting the transmission in neutral and then shifting the case? If not try these and let us know what happens.

 

Had it into the shop linkage was all rusted/jammed up, worked great for one day. Now its back again to find out whats wrong.

Thanks

Troy

 

Did they just lube it up or did they replace it? If all they did was lube it up it probably siezed up again. A new cable should fix that problem.

 

let me get this right. you engage 4x4 at highway speeds? check the owners manual, i bet there is more damage than stuck linkage