Got stuck on a muddy road so I tried to put the truck into 4wd-Lo (from park and neutral) and the front hubs never locked.

I did hear a clunking sound like the hubs trying to lock and the indicator showed locked but the front wheels never grabbed.

Was able to get my way out in 2wd after 40 minutes but definietly have a problem with my 4wd.

I have noticed that in 2wd the front wheels seem to grab during sharp turns in the parking lot like the hubs are not fully disengaged. I have driven in reverse 30-50 feet and tried everything I know to do.

Any suggestions on troubleshooting or fixing the problem?

2003 F150 Supercrew FX4 Lariat with stock 4x4.

Ed in Oklahoma City

 

This happened on my '02 FX4 when it was about 1.5 years old with about 30K on the clock. The transfer case would go into 4hi and 4 low (it had the lever, not the electronic switch) but the front axle would not engage. If I went back and forth a few times between 2wd and 4hi it would eventually catch and engage the axle disconnect. The disconnect actuator had to be replaced. The transfer case lever engages the 4wd, but then a switch/actuator tells the disconnect to lock. It was covered under warranty so I have no idea what it would cost to replace.

 

Thanks for your help.

The problem was the fork in the transfer case. I'm having it replaced and the rear clutches replaced as well.