Ive got a problem that started a couple of months ago. When I go into 4WD, something starts popping (sounds like steering components or hubs?) when I turn. It only does it in 4WD so Ive been ignoring it for now. Any clues?

 

My chebby Z71 used to do that too. I haven't encountered that on my FX4. I have an idea, but I think someone else will have a definite answer to this. I am curious as well.

 

CV joints?

 

Popping usually means CV joints but these trucks have been known to break hubs and IWE solenoid.

 

On pavement (wet or dry), are you? You can only use 4WD on slippery surfaces like snow, ice, or mud. Raid isn't slippery enough, so you can't use it on pavement even if it's raining.

 

either hubs... or transfer case...

 

It does it on hard top and dirt, and it really doesnt sound like the xfer case. More like up front or in the hubs. I had someone look at the axle while I was moving and it doesnt jump or anything. I dont know what an IWE solenoid is??

 

Why do you have in 4WD on pavement or hard dirt!!! Duh, you should Never put it in 4WD on pavement or hard dirt! No wonder it pops... that's your axles trying to spin a wheel. 4WD is for snow or ice or mud- that's it.

 

I have a lot of 4Wheeling experience so Im pretty sure I know what Im doing. The only reason I turned it on on pavement was to see what it did. Also, I didnt say "hard dirt", said dirt. This could mean wet dirt (mud), gravel etc. And mud and ice isnt the only times you would turn it on, what about rock crawling, im not going to start the list. And that popping....never mind. Dont post if you dont know what the hell your talking about.

 

Geez... chill a little.

I've been driving 4x4s since 1975, so I DO know what the hell I'm talking about.

There are a lot of guys/gals here who thing their F-150 has AWD and so wonder why they pop when they have it in 4HI on pavement and try to turn... so once in a while we need to remind people that they don't have an AWD.

That's it.

 

im going to have to agree with "red candle" on this one... i dont care how much experiance you have with 4wd you should never put your truck in 4x4 on pavement if your planning on turning the wheel.... the only times you should is when pulling a boat out of the water up a wet launch ramp or there is ice on top of the pavement!!! thats it.... not trying to attack you just its just FYI kinda stuff.

 

I had this same problem about a year ago, and it really got me stuck. I did numerous of hours of troubleshooting and everything turned out working fine. I even took it back on the sand and tested it out and it worked fine. I has worked fine for the last year until about a month ago. It started popping again, my brother in law was also at the beach that day with his 04 f150 and he say's his also pops. His truck is bone stock. Let us know what you find out.
And for everyone using 4x4 on the pavement is fine as long as you know what you are doing. Like turning the whell while in motion, but straight line movement is fine, and turning the whell while stop is fine.