I recently bought a 1999 F-350 lariat crewcab 7.3 turbo diesel with 4wd. I can't get the auto 4wd to work and can't seem to turn the manual lock out hubs. Any ideas on how to free them up or how to get the push button 4wd to engage? It is just starting to snow here and it sure would be nice to have 4wd.

 

I had an old Ford Explorer that had push button four wheel drive. It caused me nothing but trouble so I had to put the lever in it, like I have in my F250. As for the hubs, first try turning it with a pair of pliers. If that don't work, take it out (You'll need a pair of pliers to get the little pin thing off) and check if there is any grease in there.

 

Do you try to engage while in motion. Mine a lot of times won't go in without moving. Also, for me to use 4 lo it has to be in neutral with brake on.

 

Pull the hubs off and clean and regrease them. Its not hard to do and they will free up again!

Is the 4x4 light on the dash coming on? Can you hear the T case locking in?

 

The light comes on but the rear wheels spin. Nothing from the front. I can't hear anything clicking but not quite sure what to liste3n for or expect. I haven't tried while moving yet.

Thanks to all who replied. I will try those ideas and see what happens.
chuck t

 

You will hear it click with the motor off, key in the run pos and the door open, flip the switch.

You will hear a solid CLICK.

You may have a vacuum leak, which will not allow the auto hubs to lock in.

Pull the hubs and clean them, grease them good and then flip them to manual for now. Once we are sure the 4x4 is working, then we can start fixing your vacuum leak.

 

ok so I hear a distinct click with the motor off,and the lights come on on the dash. I haven't pulled the hubs yet because it was in the 30s yesterday and in the 40s with rain today. Hopefully I can get a good fire going in the old woodstove and pull them apart between rain drops and freezing LOL.

Thanks again
Chuck t

 

Here is an great write up on the hub and hub issues...

http://www.guzzle7pt3.com/allube.php

 

first let me say thanks to everyone that had input. I spent about 1 1/2 hours out in 40 degree rain today. I managed to get one hub out( The other may have well been welded in.) The one that I did get out was about as dry as can be. The grease was pretty much in a rusted powder form. I noticed that the plastic housing appeared to be broken when I took it apart. I may have located another set of hubs for a decent price(used of course. but supposedly in good working condition). We will see. I considered going with a conversion kit but can't seem to find one for my veh for some reason. Anyway I guess I will have to depend on my FOREIGN peice of .......... until I can afford another set of hubs.

Thanks
Chuck T

 

mine was the same way i had ta use a hammer ta tap it out and there was nothing in them, so grease em up, thats what i did cause mine was also grinding, if you tap it out use a rubber mallet