I work construction and therefore at this time of year my truck is always on muddy job sites. Well friday my truck got stuck on the job site. I put it in fourwheel high and could not get out, so I put it in fourwheel low and still could not get out. When I was in fourwheel low my truck started smoking and I could smell something burning. We used our big SkyTrac fork lift to get it out, I put it in two wheel drive and everything seemed pretty ok. Later that night I decided to check out the 4x4 system. I put it in fourwheel high and the tires seemed to lock up, even when they would move they were clunking and making all kinds of noises. But I can drive it in two wheel drive just fine. I have an appointment to put it in the shop on Tuesday. I am thinking that I burned up the transfercase. What do you guys think? Are those transfercases belt driven or are they still chain driven? I know that they were chain driven on my Jeeps. Help!

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'98 4.6 5sp. 4x4 ORP (Fully loaded, Power everything).

Mods.
- Modified Air Box
- K&N
- Borla Stainless Steel Exhaust

Future Mods.
- BBK High Performance Throttle body
- Superchip

 

I have heard that trucks with electric shift 4x4 systems have alot of trouble with muddy situations. That came from a Ford engine plant supervisor. I was told to stay with the old stick on the floor style. Your electric systems need to be repaired most likely if it is that style

 

You have a 5 speed, so the smoke was most likely from your clutch.

As to the noise you're hearing, I don't know.

 

My truck is not electric shift it has the 4x4 shifter on the floor, but I have heard that the 4x4 hubs on the front wheels do have problems with mud. Why would my clutch be smoking? I wasn't reving the motor and then dropping the clutch. Why would it smoke? I am a little disappointed with this situation. Luckily the warrenty will cover it.

 

You got a clutch that's "soft" and "comfortable" for the majority of people to drive. Since it's soft, it will slip under heavy strain. Try stepping on the clutch of a SuperDuty and you'll see what I'm saying.

That's part of the reason why the tow rating of your truck is much lower than if you had an auto tranny.