I just bought a 2004 F150 XL 4X4 and I need some advice. I don't have the manual to the truck but I have been doing some research on what not to do with the 4X4. Also looking for advice on preventative maintenance.

Here is what I have been told and what I know.

I can shift into 2H and 4H while in drive. I don't know if there are certain speed ranges to make these shifts.

I can shift into 4L while in neutral and while stopped. The dealer told me to shift with the ignition off. That part does not make since to me. I'm not even sure I can shift into neutral with the ignition off.

What is 2H and when should I use it.

The dealer said 2H or 4H was not ideal for higher speeds when taking on turns, if true, which gear? He suggested one of those gears could cause a bunch of damage if you take turns in one of those gears.

The dealer also suggested running in 4WD at least once a month. Said it was like that old saying, If you don't use it, you lose it. I guess he was suggesting the gears just need to stay lubricated as much as possible. Which gear is best for this?

Have no idea what kind of fluid to put in there. Tranny fluid? Special fluid for the 4WD case? I think I should go ahead and change that fluid out now.

Appreciate any advice, I'm wanting to do a little muddin in a couple of weeks with my son. He's been hitting a mud hole with his Jeep for the past couple of years and I think it's going to be a awesome. He has a Jeep painted John Deere green and it comes back gray every time. He usually comes back gray too because he goes with the top down. I plan on keeping my windows up.

Thanks,
Clintc

 

yes 2hi to 4hi can be selected under 55mph. 4 low u need to be stoped and in neutral then switch the switch to 4low the ignition must be on to supply the power to the transfer case shift motor. and 2 hi is for everyday driving, pavement driving. 4hi is for loose traction, like sand, mud, snow, dirt roads etc. 4low is a 2.75 low range gear ratio, i use it for steep hills. 4hi or 4 low should never be used on pavement. and yes you need to engage 4wd atleast once a month or it will stop working the transfer case shift motor will freeze up. and to sum it it when in 4hi or 4low it locks the front and rear drive shafts together so when u turn the transfer case will bind that why your not suppose to use it on pavement. hope this helps. any other questions just reply back.

 

the transfer case takes regular ATF and the front takes a gear oil like the rear but its a different waight. my rear diff is 75w140 synthetic and the front takes 75w90 regular. but it might be different for newer trucks.

 

steven,
thanks for the help. one more question if you would. which gear each month for turning over the fluids and lubricating the case?

 

4hi is fine for just keepin it lubricated. btw i noticed yours is a XL do you have the manuel 4wd shift on the floor? if so i have that also and its alot more reliable IMO. and you dont have a transfer case shift motor if u have manuel shift 4wd. so its less to go wrong.

 

4hi is fine. Just make sure if on a dry road, that it is a straight road. When using 4wd, you need some slip so the driveline does not bind up.
The diff fluid weights mentioned are now the recommended for the vehicle. Also if limited slip, you will need a bottle of friction modifier for the rear (front is an open diff).
If you don not have documentation for the truck, owners manual, maint schedule, etc, you can download them for free from www.motorcraftservice.com in the owners manual section. This is free and in pdf format.

 

thanks kingfish i was just gonna add about limited slip differential but he has a XL odds are he doesnt have one you can check the door axle code if you want to know. then post it on here and we can tell ya what you got in the rear pumpkin.

 

steven and kingfish,
Thanks again. I do have the manual shift on the floor. glad to hear that's better with less problems. i pulled some codes off the sticker. probably more info than you need.
WB = 126
BRK = C
R = K
AXLE = H9
TR = A
SPR = SM

 

Crap I need to engage some 4wd soon.

 

kingfish,
got the manuals saved. that's going to help with some other questions too. didn't know Ford offered that service.
Thanks again.

 

The axle code says it's 3.55:1 Trac-loc (that's the rear). So you do need the friction modifier in the rear. There should be another axle code for the front also, but like said earlier it's most likely an open diff.

 

2H is normal rear wheel drive and will be used for almost all your driving. You can shift into 4H on the fly up to 55 mph as said, to shift into 4L you need to be stopped, in neutral, with the engine running and your foot on the brake.

Transfer case takes standard ATF, front diff takes standard 80W90 (75W90 synthetic is a good alternate), and the rear diff takes synthetic 75W140 with a bottle of Ford friction modifier.

 

yea, you have 3:55 limited slip rear so if you change the rear differential fluid i would get the modifier from the dealer. and be sure u get a 75w140 synthetic for the rear.

 

Appreciate all the help gentlemen. I think I got it all and should be muddin this weekend.

 

to shift into 4lo the transmission must be in neutral