I have a 1990 F-150. I can put the truck into 4WD hi, but can not get it into low using the floor lever. I have NOT tried to get it into low by engaging it on the transfer case. The 4WD works on gravel and snow. You can feel the truck do the "plow effect" when turning tight when it's engaged. However, last winter in deep snow with the 4WD hi engaged the truck could not spin the wheels. The transmission was rebuilt some years ago before I bought the truck, and the fluid is at a good level.

Am I looking at a weak transmission (torque convertor) or a bad transfer case or something else. Any input is greatly appreciated. I realize I may have two isues here, but I would like to address them before too much snow flies.

Thank you in advance!

 

Any guesses?

 

Does'nt really sound like you have any problem. The hard engagement into 4 low is probably just from lack of use, and a steep gear change. Are you really going to use that setting anyway? The lack of slipping tires on snow could be a tight torque converter, or just to much traction, these are problems I would not worry to much about if it performs okay on dry roads. My 3/4 4x4 deisel dodge will not always spin tires on snow, and it is 610 ft lbs torque stock with 6 speed.

 

Thanks for the reply. That all makes sense. I don't use the 4WD low often, but in deep snow I would. I'll try to engage it manually on the transfer case to see if that help free it up. Thanks for the input!