Joe Sanders
Member
Is there anything specific that needs to be done regularly, periodically, or over time as far as maintenance for the 4x4 system to keep it in good working order. This is my first 4x4 and was just wondering. Thanks
4x4 maintenance
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Kevin Palmer
Well-Known Member
Like anything. Check the fluids. Make sure they are full and do not appear to be contaminated. Need to be fairly clean, if not, replace it. Be aware that the front and the rear actually use two different fluids. So if you go to a quick lube or some place like that make sure they have what you need before they open it up and drain the system.
In the summer time when you will not use the 4X4 as a general rule you will want to engage the system at least once a month. You can do this on any road as long as you are going pretty much straight. Do NOT turn the wheel to sharp (like go around a corner). You will put a huge strain on the 4X4 components if you turn the wheel too much. You'll feel it bind up in the steering wheel if you start to turn to sharp. But like I said. Going straight down the road will not hurt anything to engage it every now and then. This will keep the components working and let you know if you have a problem prior to winter when you will really need the 4X4 system...
In the summer time when you will not use the 4X4 as a general rule you will want to engage the system at least once a month. You can do this on any road as long as you are going pretty much straight. Do NOT turn the wheel to sharp (like go around a corner). You will put a huge strain on the 4X4 components if you turn the wheel too much. You'll feel it bind up in the steering wheel if you start to turn to sharp. But like I said. Going straight down the road will not hurt anything to engage it every now and then. This will keep the components working and let you know if you have a problem prior to winter when you will really need the 4X4 system...
Johnny O
Well-Known Member
Nothing special other than following the manual for maintenance and fluid changes as Coastie said. 4x4's tend to be sensitive to rotating the tires for maximum tire life, so don't neglect that. Front end alignment occasionally. Do get the fluid levels in the axles and transfer case checked occasionally, whether you or a shop does it. Stock Sport Trac shocks suck.
Mike Wilson
Well-Known Member
C'Joe's post is true.
Actually, what I do, on my '89 Jimmy S-15 4x4, (since the trac is not 4x4),
is to go down a loose gravel road about once every month or two, and engage
the 4x4, and put it through some simple paces. Forward, back, turning the wheel
left to right, etc... You can do this on LOOSE GRAVEL, because it is forgiving,
and will let the axles slip just enough as to not put your driveline in a "bind",
causing a busted axleshaft, or anything. And it does help to "get it up to speed"
to sling the axle lubricant around to all of the dry spots in the 4x4 part of the
drivetrain. I've got 247,000 miles on my Jimmy with no major repairs.
I did buy it new, and have properly maintained her as per one of the above
suggestions!
Actually, what I do, on my '89 Jimmy S-15 4x4, (since the trac is not 4x4),
is to go down a loose gravel road about once every month or two, and engage
the 4x4, and put it through some simple paces. Forward, back, turning the wheel
left to right, etc... You can do this on LOOSE GRAVEL, because it is forgiving,
and will let the axles slip just enough as to not put your driveline in a "bind",
causing a busted axleshaft, or anything. And it does help to "get it up to speed"
to sling the axle lubricant around to all of the dry spots in the 4x4 part of the
drivetrain. I've got 247,000 miles on my Jimmy with no major repairs.
I did buy it new, and have properly maintained her as per one of the above
suggestions!
Ben Poche
Well-Known Member
use it corectly not on dry hard ground.use it your ST will like it
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Johnny O
Well-Known Member
I don't think it's really necessary to shift a Trac into 4wd occasionally because the front axle is always locked in and the parts are turning anyway. The switch just kicks the t-case in and out or 4wd.
Kevin Palmer
Well-Known Member
JohnnyO
The engaging motor on our Tracs is not the best. If ti does not get used every now and then it seizes in the unlock position. Just ask the several hundred here who have replaced theirs....
The engaging motor on our Tracs is not the best. If ti does not get used every now and then it seizes in the unlock position. Just ask the several hundred here who have replaced theirs....
Gavin Allan
Well-Known Member
Don't our tracs have automatic hubs that engage/disengage as needed? I thought they were vacuum operated.
Johnny O
Well-Known Member
Thanks Coastie, I didn't know that. I use mine occasionally anyway. Never had a problem in the two Rangers or the Sport Trac I've owned.
Gavin....the only vehicle vacuum hubs came on was the 98-99 Ranger 4x4. It proved to be troublesome and unreliable so Ford dumped it. 95-up Explorers and 00-up Rangers have an "always live" front end. In fact a popular fix on the 98-99 Rangers is to replace the hubs and axles with the Explorer or later Ranger parts. I never had any trouble with my 99 Ranger but then I only had it for three years. (Somebody ran a stop sign and hit me...hard.) Good on gas for a 4x4 though.....
Gavin....the only vehicle vacuum hubs came on was the 98-99 Ranger 4x4. It proved to be troublesome and unreliable so Ford dumped it. 95-up Explorers and 00-up Rangers have an "always live" front end. In fact a popular fix on the 98-99 Rangers is to replace the hubs and axles with the Explorer or later Ranger parts. I never had any trouble with my 99 Ranger but then I only had it for three years. (Somebody ran a stop sign and hit me...hard.) Good on gas for a 4x4 though.....
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Gavin Allan
Well-Known Member
I had a '99 and a '98 Mazda B-4000s. They were great trucks too!
Joe Sanders
Member
Thanks for the info.... How/where do you check the fluid levels in the axels and the transfer case? Thanks for your help!
Johnny O
Well-Known Member
Just stick your pinky into the fill plugs on the axles. Both are on the driver's side of the pumpkins, a 3/8" ratchet will take them out, plugs on the transfer case too. No socket, just the ratchet or extension. The transfer case has two plugs, a drain plug down low and a fill plug up high, so to check the level just take out the fill plug. The case itself is aluminum, so don't over-tighten the plug putting it back in. Just a little snug is fine. Transfer case takes Mercon transmission fluid (not Mercon V like the tranny, just plain Mercon).
I still haven't changed my rear lube yet, couldn't get the fill plug out yesterday. Damned elbow surgery, I guess I'm still not up to full strength yet (i.e. it hurt). This is going to call for creative measures. :lol:
I still haven't changed my rear lube yet, couldn't get the fill plug out yesterday. Damned elbow surgery, I guess I'm still not up to full strength yet (i.e. it hurt). This is going to call for creative measures. :lol:
Gavin Allan
Well-Known Member
Wonder if Mercon V would hurt the transfer case?
