2003 Ford Truck 4x4 Operations

The following information is subject to change without notice.  Contact dealer to verify.

 4x4 System Availability 

S = Standard O = Optional — = Not Available
(1) Ranger with FX4/Level II option and manual transmission.
(2) Available on F-250/F-350 4x4 models only.

2003 Ford Truck 4x4 Operations

The following information is subject to change without notice.  Contact dealer to verify.

 Front-drive Axles 

Today's wide range of 4x4 systems offers numerous front-drive axle configurations. Ford trucks use two types:

Monobeam

• Used on all 2003 Super Duty 4x4 models
• A traditional design that uses a conventional tube axle with steering knuckles mounted at each end

Short- and Long-Arm (SLA) Independent

• Used on F-150 and Ranger models
• Differential assembly is mounted to the front frame
• Equal-length halfshafts transmit power to the front wheels

2003 Ford Truck 4x4 Operations

The following information is subject to change without notice.  Contact dealer to verify.

 4x4 Operation 

All Ford Truck 4x4 systems feature a transfer case positioned behind the transmission. This transfer case has the ability to split engine torque, sending it back to the rear wheels and forward to the front wheels. Ford Truck systems are part-time, meaning that their normal mode of operation is two-wheel drive (with power flowing to the rear wheels). All four wheels receive power only when the driver engages the four-wheel drive mode.

Ford Truck 4x4 systems include a 2-speed transfer case. This feature gives the transfer case added capabilities that signi-ficantly increase the amount of torque delivered to all four driving wheels - a must for off-road driving. The functions of a typical 2-speed transfer case are as follows:

• In the 2WD position, the input transfer gear is disengaged, sending engine torque only to the rear wheels. This mode delivers normal traction and optimum fuel economy
• In the 4x4 HIGH position, the input transfer gear is locked to the input shaft, and power flows to both front and rear axles. This mode provides extra traction at all speeds
• In the 4x4 LOW position, the planetary gearset is locked, resulting in approximately a 2.5:1 gear reduction ratio. When engaged, the engine is often running at over twice its normal speed for a given mph, and this provides a tremendous amount of power for negotiating off-highway trails, slick boat ramps or whenever huge amounts of torque are called for
• The lever-operated transfer case available on F-Series also has a Neutral position, used when towing the vehicle, such as behind a motorhome or tow truck. Consult the Owner's Guide for specific instructions and restrictions when towing any vehicle

2003 Ford Truck 4x4 Operations

The following information is subject to change without notice.  Contact dealer to verify.

 Manual 4x4 Operation/Demonstration 

Manual Transfer Case/Shift-on-the-fly
(Ranger, F-150, F-250-550 Super Duty
4x4 models)⁽¹⁾

How to shift from 4x2 High to 4x4 High

• Move the transfer case lever to 4x4 HIGH at a stop or any forward speed up to 55 mph. On F-150 and Ranger, at temperatures below 32°F, shifts from two-wheel drive high to 4x4 high should not be performed above 45 mph. On Super Duty models, engage the locking hubs by rotating the hublock control from FREE to LOCK, then move the transfer case lever to 4H (4x4 HIGH).

(NOTE: Do not shift into 4H (4x4 HIGH) with the wheels slipping)

How to shift from 4x4 high to 4x2 high

• With F-150 or Ranger, move the transfer case lever to 4x2 at a stop or any forward speed up to 55 mph. With F-Series Super Duty, move the transfer case lever to 2H (4x2), at a stop or any forward speed up to 55 mph. With the vehicle at a complete stop, disengage the locking hubs by rotating the hublock control from LOCK to FREE

How to shift from 4x2 High to 4x4 Low

• Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
• Depress the brake
• Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or depress the clutch (manual transmission)
• Pull the transfer case shift lever through N (Neutral) directly to 4x4 Low

2003 Ford Truck 4x4 Operations

The following information is subject to change without notice.  Contact dealer to verify.

 Electric Shift 4x4 Operation/Demonstration 

Electric Shift-on-the-fly (Ranger, F-150,
F-250/F-350 Super Duty 4x4 Models)⁽¹⁾

How to shift from 2WD to 4x4 High

• Move the rotary control to 4x4 High from 4x2 at a stop or at speeds up to 55 mph. (Note: Do not shift into 4x4 with rear wheels slipping.) With F-150, at temperatures below 32°F, shifts from 2H (two-wheel drive) to 4H (4x4 High) should not be performed above 45 mph

How to shift from 4x4 HIGH to 2WD

• Move the rotary control to 4x2
  at any forward speed. There is no
  need to drive in Reverse to unlock

How to shift between 4x4 HIGH and 4x4 LOW

• Bring the vehicle to a complete stop
• Depress the brake
• Place the gearshift lever in N (Neutral) (automatic transmission) or depress the clutch (manual transmission)
• Move the rotary control to the 4x4 HIGH or 4x4 LOW position

(1) F-250/350 Super Duty rotary dial shown. Ranger and F-150 dials are slightly different.

2003 Ford Truck 4x4 Operations

The following information is subject to change without notice.  Contact dealer to verify.

 Basic Operational Precautions

On Dry Pavement

All Ranger, F-150 and F-250 — 550 Super Duty 4x4 models feature part-time 4x4 systems. Operating these part-time systems in four-wheel drive on dry pavement could result in difficult disengagement of the transfer case, increased tire wear and decreased fuel economy. These part-time 4x4 systems are designed to provide enhanced traction on lower-friction surfaces such as gravel, snow, ice, dirt, wet pavement and off-highway road or trail surfaces.