I just came back from a place this morning where I had to use my 4 wheel drive because of all the heavy rain last night. (muddy mess). There is a cell phone holder hanging over my 4 wheel **** on the dash. Well, I forgot to switch back into 2wheel when I left the place, and ran on the highway probably 15 miles or so above 65. As I pulled in the driveway, it dawned on me that stupid me forgot to switch back. There was quite a smell coming coming from under the truck. Have I screwed something up???

 

How fast were you driving?? I've run it at 65-70 for 250 miles many times, so I'd assume it should be ok as long as you werent doing 90 or anything like that.

 

I'm no mechanic but my guess is you are probably fine. Most driving had few severe turns, highway stuff...right?

You can change your fluid if you are really concerned.

 

Youre fine.

 

Dont worry.

 

The smell migh have been the mud cooking on the exhaust. Be sure to properly clean the underside of the truck. Mud traps moisture, moisture causes rust. I use a sprinkler under the truck. Start at the front and move it back a few feet every ½ hour or so.

JMC

 

redneck ingenuity?

 

I was out wheeling lastnight and did something dumb too. I pressed the gas while puting it in 4wd just made a loud clunk.

 

fx4scab "Is my 4x4 damaged???"

There is no mechanical speed limit when you are in 4x2. Likewise, there really is no speed limit when you are already in 4x4. There is no speed limit going from 4x4 to 4x2. There is a speed limit that Ford sets (up to 55 mph) as a safety when going from 4x2 to 4x4.

That being said, the only thing I would worry about is "Do not go very far or turn on dry pavement with truck in 4x4 or binding of the drive train could occur." Quoted from one of my F150 ONLINE articles titled 'The Basics of ESOF'. You will sometimes know if binding starts to occur - you can feel the steering wheel jerk. Believe it or not, for various reasons binding can also occur between the front and rear axle - which is not felt in the steering wheel. Thats why sometimes (usually older 4x4 systems) you are unable to get it from 4x4 to 4x2 unless you back up (unwind the drive train) several feet. The best way to avoid binding of the drive train is to only use 4x4 in situations so that when it starts to bind it is able to break free (example - wheel spin around a corner in the snow). Binding can cause lots of different problems, one of them is increased wear and tear on all drive train components. This being said, the truck is probably ok.

As for the smell, it could be anything. But in your case I would check the transfer case and front differential oil levels. Would'nt hurt to make sure front drive shaft U-joints are greased properly too.

 

Easy to do.

 

nah it doesn't do it all the time, I have only done it twice.