Ok, I was out yesterday, trying to climb a hill I've taken several times, and couldn't make it. No matter what. My friend notices my front wheels or not spinning. I look under the truck, and the drivetrain is spinning in 4 HI and LO, but the hubs are just not locking in. Has anyone taken apart a wheel on their F150 yet? Much trouble? I need to get in there and snoop around. Also, what manual would have the best details on this? ie Chiltons, Haynes etc. Thanks.

Scot


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97 F150 ORP
Towing/trailer package, 3.55LS
34" Mickey Thompson Baja Belteds, Requisite K&N Airfilter
JVC Kamelon CD Player, CB, bug shield, window shields, and other goodies

 

The '97 and on F-150 no longer uses auto locking hubs. They use a completely different system.
Electrical solenoid valves turn on or off vacuum to two hoses, that run to a push-pull vacuum motor on the front differential. The vac motor moves a shifter fork in the diff to lock/unlock the right front drive axle from the diff output.
When unlocked, the right axle shaft is no longer driven, just turns with road speed.
The left side is a bit wild, if I am understanding it all correctly: When unlocked on the right side, the left wheel turns at road speed, turning left axle gear in the diff. That then turns the two pinned gears in the carrier, while the diff carrier and front driveshaft from Transfer Case stay still, and the right side diff axle gear now turns backward at road speed.
So when in 2WD, there's lot's of gears still turning in the front diff.
I assume there is some sort of delay when engaging 4WD, to let the Transfer Case spin the front shaft up, so the diff shifter fork doesn't try to lock two shafts going opposite directions!
Would guess your problem is probably in the electrical/vacuum area.

 

So, what you're basically saying is take it into the shop . Disappointing, yes. Surprised, no. Thanks for the breakdown.

Scot

 

Check all of the hoses on the on the front differential, make sure you haven't knocked any of the hoses loose. Sinces your transfer case is going in low range and you are recieving power to the front drive shaft, the only thing it could be is the front axle disconnect. I thought this only happened to Chevys. For chevies they actually make a manual system to lock the front differential. Then you can have 2lo.

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1997 4x4 5.4 ORP XLT extended cab Dark Toreador red Westin nerf bars tint HARDER THAN A ROCK AND FASTER THAN A HEART BEAT

 

I'm going to take it down to a friends shop this weekend and see if I can notice anything. If not, I've got an appointment to take it in Monday to the dealer. I wouldn't be surprised at all if a hose got knocked loose since the last time I was off roading I was dragging a tree backwards up a steep hill (making my own path) and crossing alot of ditches where you bottom out. If it's the vacuum pump, from talking to the dealer, they feel it's easy to replace and they have them in stock. I was completely shocked by his honesty!
I appreciate your help guys, and anymore ideas would be great. I'll let you know how it goes.

Scot


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97 F150 ORP
Towing/trailer package, 3.55LS
34" Mickey Thompson Baja Belteds, Requisite K&N Airfilter
JVC Kamelon CD Player, CB, bug shield, window shields, and other goodies