VANITY--2004 F-150 4x4 Problem--VANITY

Me ^ | 11/13/2010 | Me

[rabidralph]

FReeper Family, I have a few questions about my F-150, which just got carted off to the repair shop. It won't go in reverse. It locks up after going a couple inches and all I can do is rev the engine after that. The truck goes forward all right.

While the tow operator was checking out the problem, I saw that the drive shaft turned properly when going forward but when he put it in reverse, the small lug nuts that connect the shaft to the transfer case struggled to turn the way they should and the whole assembly just locked up. The repair shop will open the transfer case and let me know what they find out.

My first question is any guesses as to what the problem is? How much do you think it will cost--best and worst case scenarios. Thanks for any suggestions you all might have. BTW, ditching the Ford and buying a Chevy is not a valid suggestion :-)

[rabidralph]

Please ignore the source URL, it just points to an F-150 forum. But I don't have an account so my problem is not posted there.

[Paladin2]

The problem is too much electronic k|~ @ |).

But a truck with a manual transmission, manual front locking hubs and a manual shifting transfer case.

[Paladin2]

but —> buy

[ElkGroveDan]

Dude, register at the forum. Some of those guys are former factory engineers. I was amazed at how quickly they were able to answer really obscure questions on my F250. This one is good: http://www.ford-trucks.com

[Paladin2]

Have you checked the Turbo-Encapulator?

[Darksheare]

Reverse pinion is gimped.
Or electronic stuff is sporked.

[Paladin2]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLDgQg6bq7o

[ElkGroveDan]

I’ll go ahead and post it for you, and give you the link. What year is it? Other specs?

[rabidralph]

You're very kind. It's a 2004 F-150 4x4, 5.4L V8 Automatic.

And then all the stuff I mentioned in the beginning of the thread.

What else do you need to know?

[rabidralph]

I do not do well with driving manual transmissions. I’m always afraid of rolling back in traffic and hitting someone. I haven’t driven a manual since driver’s ed in HS. BTW, I am a woman and not some pansy-man, afraid of stick-shift vehicles. I’m a pansy-woman, afraid of stick-shift vehicles, but I love my truck.

[rabidralph]

LOL! Thanks!

[rabidralph]

Thanks for the theories.

[bt579]

Its the Disgronificator. It will cost about $800 to repair.

[Paladin2]

It'd be cheaper to pull the front driveshaft and see what happens to reverse function.

I've driven a #$??!!! Ford auto trans vehicle that wouldn't go into reverse (or first) unless it was hot. I just parked so all I had to do was go forward upon restarting the vehicle. (using second to get the thing off the line.)

[rabidralph]

Unfortunately, there’s only one way in and out of the garage and there are too many drunk drivers in Wisconsin for me to consider parking on the street.

[ElkGroveDan]

Here's the link Ralph.

Freepmail me with the answer if anyone has any follow up questions there and I'll post it.

[rabidralph]

Thanks a lot Dan! Thank you, FReeper Family! Y’all are the best! I’ll let you know what the shop says when they call so you all can dispute their findings in true FReeper fashion :-)

[Darksheare]

Welcome.
Since they started with electronic stuff on transmissions, it is always a good bet to have the electronics checked.
But the reverse gear sounds like it may be gimped.
No biggy, but somewhat expensive.
Especially if it is doing something bizarre like not locking into gear fully.

[Pontiac]

Bump for later

[Colorado Cowgirl]

“ditching the Ford and buying a Chevy is not a valid suggestion” Why buy the third best? Dodge Ram 2500 would be my selection. If I could make the “best of the best” selection, it would be a Ford 250 Body, a Cummins turbo Diesel; and 6 speed Allison Transmission.