Question on 4x4 on a 200 F250 7.0

[bowhuntertex]

Not a 100% sure what is going on since I am out of town, but the wifes truck doesn't seem to be kicking into 4x4 when she turns the switch over to 4 high. When she turns the switch it shows it to be in 4 High but just the back tires are spinning.Anyone have any idea why it may not be kicking into 4x4 or have had this same problem. Hoping it is an easy fix.

We kinda need 4x4 to get to the house until the rain stops and I can get some rock put down on the road.

[aarontaylor2008]

If it has locking hubs you have to manually get out and spin the locks.

[Southern Horns]

Vacuum leak maybe.

[Buckshot-73]

Or the vaccum pump is not working... Could be several different things.

[Samson]

They are a vacuum operated hub, so more than likely have a leak. You can manually turn them too to engage/disengage.

[ultralite09]

Can she hear the actuator try to shift it into 4x4?

Locking hubs should do the trick to get out and manually lock them, if that doesnt do it, probably a vacuum leak, theyre notorious to crack and leak.

If that A/C is on when she shifts to 4x4, does it go to defrost?

[Cbb1722]

On my 2005 GMC Sierra. You have to be rolling a little bit for the 4 hi to kick in. Had that problem a while back. Back tires was spinning in a low spot and I kicked in in 4 hi. Did the same thing your wife's truck did. Dropped it into 4 lo and crawled out like it was nothing. Different truck I know. But I think the front tires have to be moving to engage it in 4 hi

[Traildust]

If it has the automatic locking hubs....one is stripped out....usually the left front. Put a set of manual hubs on it. It was a poor design and under built for that heavy truck.

[LeanMachine]

Like others said, the f250 gives you the option to manually lock the hubs at the wheels. Do that to get by.

Having just fixed my 4x4 on 04 f150 i have some experience on the matter but cant promise it is the same for your truck. It is NOT a vacuum leak. Everyone says that. Unless other systems operate differently, it is perpetuated false info. Constant vacuum is applied to keep my truck in 2x. If there was a leak it would go into 4x or keep slipping in and out of it. A solenoid controls the vacuum. Mine is on the firewall behind battery. If solenoid is not working, vacuum will not release and 4x will not work. You can disengage the vacuum lines from the hubs by hand. If that doesn't engage the front wheels then your hub actuators are likely bad. Both mine were shot. The spring or something fails in them and they will not pop out when vacuum is released like they should. All of this is assuming your shift motor is working. If it shifts into a notably lowere gear in 4 low then it should be working.

Like i said, no guarantee this info applies to your truck.

[bowhuntertex]

Thanks for the info guys. She is going to take it to her brothers mechanic shop and have one of the mechanics look at it. Her brother is out of town hunting so his head guy is gonna meet her up at the shop and take a look at it. If it is a quick fix he will fix it today. If not I will have to take it up there next week when I am home. For now I guess she will have to park at the road and walk up to the house.

[KingRanchKiller]

Can she hear the actuator try to shift it into 4x4?

Locking hubs should do the trick to get out and manually lock them, if that doesnt do it, probably a vacuum leak, theyre notorious to crack and leak.

If that A/C is on when she shifts to 4x4, does it go to defrost?

This. Go to dieselsite.com and get a set of braided steel ones for $100 and never look back.

[bowhuntertex]

He is replacing the vacuum sensor on it. Hopefully that will fix the problem. Waiting to hear back from her.