Glitchy First Use of 4X4 on 2017 F350

First time engagement of 4LO on a new truck didn't engage the front wheels. It took a couple of tries to engage the front hubs. Hubs were set to Auto and the 4wd switch was turned properly through 4Hi, transmission shifted to Neutral and then 4wd switch to 4Lo.
Ready Lift 2.5 Leveling Kit: amzn.to/2r5eimi
Ready Lift Trac Bar Bracket Only: amzn.to/2qnVX2J

[@biz4twobiz463]

IMHO...you have a great looking truck!! So...thinking the issue was with the hubs not locking in. Maybe they needed to break free from assembly at Manufacture site. Hope it is not the vacuum actuator. If the instrument cluster indicated 4x4 engaged, then the transfer case was locked in. To test: Manually Lock the hubs and try again.

[@EpicCowlick]

Time has proven you exactly right. They have been used many times this winter with no drama. It's just a first time use quirk that quickly clears after a try or two.

[@itsquick2]

read the owners manual pal, you have to have in neutral with a brakes on for it to go onto four wheel low.

[@EpicCowlick]

Yup, did that. Video doesn't show it. This was just a one off. No biggie.

[@EpicCowlick]

There was no need for a dealer visit. It's worked perfectly every time since. Just needed to engage properly the first time and it was good to go.

[@erikhoolihan92]

This is why I don't buy shift-on-the-fly trucks. Too many things to go wrong in my opinion. Just give me a good lever shifter and manual hubs please.

[@MegaKYBLUE]

I work at Kentucky truck plant and am very familiar with the super duty obviously. You could have possibly gotten some corrosion from the winter salt keeping the hubs from engaging. With a totally new vehicle and all new parts(very few carried over) you always have problems, especially in the first year. If it does it anymore I wouldn't hesitate having it looked at. We churn out several hundred thousand trucks a year and with you getting a new model there are definitely kinks being worked out. But I will tell everyone out there, we strive everyday to give you a wonderful truck. We are very proud of the trucks we build and hope you will love it for years to come. I love the color too. Magnetic is definitely the color I would choose if I had one. Enjoy

[@EpicCowlick]

Sweet! Good to hear from someone who helped build this awesome machine. I've had several trucks built at KTP. An Expedition, Excursion, a previous SD and now this. They have all been truly a joy to drive and have always gotten the job done. Funny how the Expedition and the 2011 SD did the exact same thing this did. Once done though they always worked perfectly. This 2017 came off the line on October 13 last year. What part did you install?

[@MegaKYBLUE]

I work in the shop at the end of the line. We fix or replace parts that were not installed correctly or faulty. We have tests that are performed at various stages of the manufacture that identify these things and since it is more cost effective to have people fix them after built instead of shutting the line down. So I guess I install a lot of parts. I had an excursion as well. Loved it. Momma hated it. She didn't like the smell of diesel. That shit is like cologne to me, I love it. Just kidding about the cologne though. Someone else commented on here about letting it roll some to get it to engage. That could have been the problem. There is some truth to that. But it looks like you did some rolling in the video so I doubt that is what it was. I would guess it was due to winter crud and grime. I have an expedition that does it every year on the first time I engage the SOTF. When I use the 4L it does it every time until I roll it some to engage. If you ever have any questions feel free to ask.

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks again and keep up the good work. I looked at all the big three but the Ford just suits me the best. Tell your coworkers I appreciate their work.

[@The2008tundra]

Great comment. Just traded a '16 Ram 3500 6.7 tradesman for a '17 F-250 6.2 and the difference in build quality is night and day. Love the interior and it's an XL. I pull the camper like 6 times a year and couldn't keep justifying the maintenance. The 6.2 is solid, quiet and wants to go. Anyway, it's my first Ford. You guys make a great product.

[@darickymeister]

Thanks for building my truck. 2011-F250.

[@ChristopherEmanus]

I love the look of the 2017s. Congratulations

[@Otterpoop]

I like it too, soo much so I bought one and picked it up a few weeks ago. :D

[@jonetech5324]

Christopher Emanus look like it could pull your house down

[@AmericanSurvival001]

hows that new truck working for you how many times been to the dealer?? lol

[@RoscoRide]

Damn, That is one awesome looking Ford! I love the color and wheels..

[@Robert8455]

That is a great looking truck and I really like those tires you added. Kind of same those are not factory option rubber.

[@navy_vet493]

Awesome truck Sir! Very nice. I am amazed at how quiet and smooth sounding those new Generation Powerstrokes are. I wasn't totally sure if it was gas or diesel until the very end when I saw the door badge , Plus they make great power. Love it!

[@EpicCowlick]

It's an amazing piece of engineering. I pull a very heavy toy hauler and it just goes.

[@gwozny8140]

Absolutely beautiful truck!

[@ericm1430]

one sexy truck...really digging those new 3/4 tonne fords

[@Abu7929]

My new Hilux was a bit like that. Temperamental engagement of 4 high, 4 low, and diff lock seemed to last a few months, then perfect every time for a year now

[@BigTruckBigRV]

You should check to see if you have the factory LED Runningboard light plug on the side rails of your frame. Watch my video titled "Look what I found under my truck". I think you might have the harness plug prewired as well.

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. This truck already has the power running boards with lights. Great mod on your truck.

[@BigTruckBigRV]

Wow, didn't know the power running boards had lights.

[@EpicCowlick]

Yeah, to clarify, the boards don't have lights like on the brackets on your truck. There are only two brackets on the power boards and don't have places to mount lights. The running boards are illuminated by the puddle lights under the side mirrors. Kind of a different deal but you can see them at night.

[@BigTruckBigRV]

EpicCowlick: i Understand what you are saying as my wife Navigator has similar power steps and I've reviewed multiple 2017 super duties. you should still have the plugs though Incase you want to add lights to the steps when the are down. They are designed for the King Ranch fixed steps if optioned.

[@EpicCowlick]

Yep, the plugs are there even on the 2017's. I could have used those on the fixed steps on my 2011.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Strange and interesting all at the same time. Need to find myself a similar hill. Thanks for sharing info.

[@jackj5368]

Good lucking truck, EpicCowlick. Even better ... Your videos are informative. Thank you, sir :)

[@andiarrohnds5163]

thats one hell of a truck, mate

[@GrillingNetwork]

Thanks for sharing!! Since I have added the Bilstein shocks and stabilizer, I have noticed a huge difference. I have a 2015 and my friend bought a 2016. He wanted to see if there was a difference and after driving mine, he is now upgrading. I know you have had upgraded shocks in the past. Trying to give you a gentle nudge 😜

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks for the reminder. I definitely need something. The 37 inch tires weigh about twice what the OEM Michellins did.

[@GrillingNetwork]

EpicCowlick anytime!! Like someone once told me. I like spending other people's money 😜 A Train Horn is next on my list, then Larger tires!!

[@steiger256]

Have had nothing but problems with Ford vacuum hubs. I changed mine to Warn hubs, work great. Sometimes when you put it into 4x4 you have to drive A bit to get them to engage. Nice looking truck.

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. They do need proper vacuum to work. Any leaks and no worky. That's where the manual lock comes in handy.

[@brew5491]

Sweet ride! Good taste in rigs!

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks.

[@jeffm7669]

Love the color!

[@deezal1380]

Great looking truck!

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. Ford did a fantastic job on this one.

[@JBlinky67]

Beautiful truck

[@centredoorplugsthornton4112]

Ford Super Duty auto hubs can be turned manually. Try that, see what happens. Thx for this video.

[@Jharp82]

Seemed like it the front wasn't locked in. If I remember correctly, the manual in my brother's 05 says to put it neutral then wait 5 seconds in order to engage 4wd. The light will still be on indicating it's in 4wd although it actually isn't. I'm not sure if they're still designed like that or not.

[@oscard0215]

really enjoy your videos bud.. great work.. but can you please upload how it looks now with the 1.5" readylift. curious to see how the 37's look with the 1.5". thanks.

[@EpicCowlick]

I didn't take any good video when the truck had the 1.5 inch level on. The only little bit I did was at the end of the Weigh-Safe hitch video. The truck has a 2.5 inch level now and there is one video on the channel that shows the truck and the final heights in that configuration.

[@aricohen616]

Gorgeous truck.

[@MrJwarren100]

Having worked in GM and Ford Service Departments can share common issue regardless of make. Most people don't use 4x4 often, then the first occasion the front sticks and doesn't engage. People would bring them in for repair, we would jump in and shift transfer case then forward/reverse somewhat hard. Usually, a little rough treatment and the hubs would break loose problem solved. I would always recommend for the owner to lock in at least once a month to keep everything free. I am thinking new, not used, not broke in, etc. was your issue.

[@EpicCowlick]

That was exactly it. Thanks.

[@jacobrambo600]

Beautiful truck man

[@EpicCowlick]

Ford did an awesome job.

[@AmericanMan961]

this is why they say “dont buy the first year of a new gen”

[@DJKiDDKlashez]

me2456 AMEN

[@RAM-KINGOFTRUCKS]

theres nothing wrong with the truck dude and a lot of people buy the new gen trucks

[@AmericanMan961]

you must not know a damn thing about “new gen” anything. i never said the truck is bad. but its a KNOWN fact, EVERY new gen is a pos to its later years, the 2011 F350 is trash to the 2012-2015 F350’s why you might ask? simple. the kinks get worked out, the market uses the truck in ways they cant test for thus in 2011 when the 6.7l was new and having its issues they fixed it in 2012, the truck is bound to have issues no new gen truck is fine, his truck is an issue truck, new gen, new problems. end of story...

[@brethenneke2092]

me2456 While I do agree about steering clear of first year trucks when it comes to motors... Ford hasn't changed anything in the 4wd system, so your comment is void.

[@RAM-KINGOFTRUCKS]

Bret Henneke nothing wrong with there 4wd so your comment proves your a idiot...show me facts not stupidity

[@crispychevychris2346]

Nice pick up you got there sir, tons & tons of power on these new age F-series trucks no doubt. My opinion on the situation, Operator error meaning you needed to learn the truck because it was brand new to the both of YALL!!. SKIP VIDEO 2,1:30 ITS ALL FORD BEAUTY.

[@danielweston9188]

I was told to go through all the gears and wheel settings in a parking lot before I needed them in the field. The first time my fronts didn't engage even though it told me they were. As soon as I went into reverse I could feel something change never had a problem since.

[@EpicCowlick]

That's the ticket right there. That's what I finally did in a roundabout way.

[@ahillbillyredneck2375]

man with the electronics on these newer trucks there's just no telling...great looking truck. could have been something as simple as the computer hadn't been through the full learning phase yet and when it kicked in that was it adjusting to what was demanded. wish I had the funds to get me one!!!

[@EpicCowlick]

it worked itself out and has worked great all winter. Looking forward to going some great places this summer, in style!

[@raulduke6699]

Pretty truck, I see a few fords on the property. It's good to see another ford faithful

[@EpicCowlick]

It's easy to be true to such an awesome work of engineering. It's really an amazing truck.

[@chadsteele1]

Although I am not a fan of the new body style, your's with what looks like a level kit or something, looks pretty nice. Hopefully those kinks don't come back. Enjoy!

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. The 2011 was really trouble free. I finally got on top of the wobble with a new trac bar and OEM stabilizer. I hope this truck is as trouble free too.

[@yungyung6004]

Love ur vid please make one on muddin or we're you could really test out ur truck thanks I like the truck

[@dmustang256]

I love those trucks they are amazing

[@EpicCowlick]

Agreed! Ford is in front of the pack right now. I love all the American heavy duty trucks though.

[@octaviorodriguez1893]

Hi, I appreciate your videos,I love the way your truck looks I have the same truck what size tires are you running? What size leveling kit did you use? Do the tires make any noise?

[@EpicCowlick]

35/12.50/20 Toyo RT's. They don't make much noise compared to the MT's. It has a 2.5 inch level on the front only.

[@lornepearson1351]

Note: The electronic locking differential is for off-road use only and is not for use on dry pavement. Using the electronic locking differential on dry pavement will result in increased tire wear, noise and vibration. The electronic locking differential is a device housed in the rear axle that allows both rear wheels to turn at the same speed. The electronic locking differential can provide additional traction should your vehicle become stuck. You can activate the differential electronically and shift it on the fly within the differential operating speed range. The differential is for use in mud, rocks, sand, or any off-road condition where you need maximum traction. It is not for use on dry pavement. The following conditions will affect the electronic locking differential: • The electronic locking differential will not engage if your vehicle speed is above 20 mph (32 km/h) in 4x2, 4x4 Auto, or 4x4 High modes • The electronic locking differential will not engage if your vehicle speed is above or 56 mph (90 km/h) in 4X4 Low • The electronic locking differential will not engage if you press your accelerator pedal beyond 50% during an engagement attempt • In 4x2, 4x4 Auto, and 4x4 High modes, the electronic locking differential will automatically disengage at speeds above 25 mph (41 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 20 mph (32 km/h) • In 4L (4X4 low), the electronic locking differential will automatically disengage at speeds above 62 mph (100 km/h) and will automatically reengage at speeds below 56 mph (90 km/h) • The AdvanceTrac system has the ability to take over control of the electronic locking differential and disable it during driving maneuvers when necessary When you switch the system on, if you do not meet the required conditions for electronic locking differential activation, the instrument cluster will display the appropriate information guiding you through the proper activation process. Activating the Electronic Locking Differential (If Equipped) Note: Do not use electronic locking differential on dry, hard surfaced roads. Doing so will produce excessive noise, vibration and increase tire wear. Note: If the electronic locking differential has difficulty disengaging, release the accelerator pedal and turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction while rolling. For 4WD vehicles

[@EpicCowlick]

All very true and good info. Thanks.

[@jakebarbee2248]

If the shift on fly is like my 06 f150 it could be the motor that initiate the lock in underneath. My shifter motor went out and I had to replace it. Very simple and not too expensive. My suggestion is to engage 4x4 once a week to keep those parts moving. They will seize up if not used occasionally. Nice truck by the way!

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. It's easy to forget but always a good thing to shift every few weeks just to keep the parts lubricated and moving.

[@jacobn3160]

Truck looks great, you should put a 2 inch leveling kit up front though

[@EpicCowlick]

Amen to that. I have a ReadyLift 2.5 on it now. Looks perfect and raises that front air dam out of harms way. Take a look at the results video on this channel.

[@teruble]

My 2005 F-350 Super Duty will do this when I have not used the 4x4 in awhile. Once I use it and switch it in and out of low once or twice it works fine.

[@markjustiss8733]

thanks, very informative, no aftermarket stabilizers needed on the new model? no wobble at all?

[@EpicCowlick]

No wobble on this truck gratefully. The bigger tires need better shocks and stabilizers though. Ford engineers a pretty tight package of components when it comes to the front end. If a person starts messing with it like putting on bigger tires and front end levels, they better plan on making additional adjustments.

[@CarnutMM]

Great looking truck. Did you raise it? Or did you put larger tires? It looks higher than usual.

[@EpicCowlick]

What you are seeing in this video is 37 inch tires but zero lift. I later added a 2.5 inch front end level and now it's perfect! There's a video on this channel that shows how it turned out.

[@clm652]

Man, that's a great lookin truck, well done. What kind of mpg are you getting w those 37's? Thanks

[@EpicCowlick]

18 highway, 15 mixed, 12 when on strictly grocery getting duty. Pretty much the same as the 2011

[@Otterpoop]

I have had mine for a few week still 100% stock even the factory Michelin tires. Also from what I can tell mine is just like yours, same trim level and short bed and even color, lol. I have been getting 20 HWY 16 mix and I don't know city. Do you think it might be the tires and wheel combo?

[@EpicCowlick]

The bigger tires and level will take a 2 mpg hit. It's significant.

[@jerryknorr679]

Glad u where able to work it out, how's that 60 gallon fuel tank doing . nice truck

[@EpicCowlick]

Super awesome upgrade. I kick myself for not doing it earlier but then again, Titan was the only option until now and it was only 50 gallons. 60 gallons is just amazing.

[@philtripe]

with auto lockers you have to put it in 4 wheel a few tire rotations before the obstacle

[@EpicCowlick]

phil tripe That's exactly right.

[@dieselg33k]

I can't be arsed to to read all the comments . But , in order to engage 4 low you need to be in neutral and stopped . esof only works between 2hi and 4 hi , hope this helps

[@EpicCowlick]

Yeah, it has been covered below. That was what happened it just isn't shown in the video. Thanks.

[@donmccormick856]

I purchased a 2017 F250 King Ranch Diesel and it did the exact same thing. Spoke with dealer and they are at a loss as to why. Like you have never had a problem since.

[@EpicCowlick]

It's just a one time deal. No biggie but shows we probably ought to exercise the four wheel drive every now and then.

[@MDKN22]

You should let it wait about 10 seconds before you hit the gas for the 4WD system to engage fully and it indicates it on the information screen in your instrument cluster. If not, you should shut the truck down, wait a couple minutes, turn it back on with the truck in 2WD and rear diff off, then shift into 4WD and turn diff on.

[@rarski9]

I do believe the transmissions and peripheral components require a learning period to adjust to real world use.

[@justintime8445]

If the front wheels are engaged via vacuum actuators, then it may need more wheel travel before the spline locks with the hub. No grinding sound which is a huge plus.

[@EpicCowlick]

That's exactly right. It also probably takes a few extra seconds to remove the air on a truck straight from the factory. It's a great system and is very reliable.

[@brandonspencer3840]

Neutral for the switch, then give it a few seconds to engage, then wallah. You used to have to go to neutral, disengage, then reverse for 20 feet for it to fully disengage. I’m pretty certain it was pilot error on this one. Done it myself....

[@wigginsworld9654]

I've heard from a tech that the first time the hubs are engaged they may stick. This is temporary and usually after the first engagement it never happens again. You may have gotten one that had never been engaged.

[@EpicCowlick]

That's exactly right. This truck had 56 miles when I picked it up.

[@redred92fox]

Nice truck

[@petedavis8701]

Great colour

[@EpicCowlick]

The paint color is Magnetic. Ford uses it a lot. I've always bought white vehicles before so this was a stretch for me.

[@logan594]

Probably uses vacuum system to engage the hubs, i believe most use this now except the JK's. Surprised it doesn't have some kind of indication in cab whether it was successfully engaged or not.

[@EpicCowlick]

It is a vacuum to engage the hubs but the indicator on the dash shows only when the transfer case has completed the shift. No way to know inside the cab if the hubs are engaged. In this case it was just a first time deal but if the hubs actually fail, you can always manually turn and lock them like the old days. I'm glad Ford still uses those.

[@yougear]

Same issue on my 2017 f550. The manual said put it in neutral and give it a sec. No more problems.

[@EpicCowlick]

That should work. One guy had the idea that the air needs to be pumped out of the line the first time and it just take a few more seconds.

[@richardkoehler9917]

Ford recommends to every once in a while to put it in 4High ,4low to keep the wheel locks from sticking.

[@b27rampage]

i have to put mine in Neutral for it to go in to 4 low but 4 high it can be in any drive gear.

[@EpicCowlick]

That is true and how it works.

[@RaMoonArt]

Wow i am so love your video 🧡🧡🧡

[@philscot3]

Go ahead Bigfoot Gunmetal Edition!!! Looks Good work them kinks out you will be alright!

[@EpicCowlick]

Bigfoot Gunmetal Edition! I like it!

[@philscot3]

Seeing that things nose appearing over that hill bought back to the memories of watching bigfoot climbing over cars not jumping over them lol.. Makes me miss the days of when I had my raptor and doing the same thing on the dunes at the beach by my house.. Those tires you have are not from the factory right ?

[@testify221]

these new f250s f2350s are going to be huge when lifted

[@EpicCowlick]

They are huge to start with. Two inches higher than my 2 inch leveled 2011 F350. It's crazy but they look great. And then there's the clearance! I just put on a 2.5 inch level and I think it's perfect. I put up a video with the resulting heights and numbers.

[@testify221]

idk i got a 4th gen ram but these fuckers are big

[@TheWildbill5891]

EpicCowlick Would a locking front differential have helped in that situation ?

[@EpicCowlick]

That's a good question. The problem here was the front hubs were not automatically locking so even if the front differential had a separate locker like the rear axle does, it wouldn't have helped. The transfer case engaged when shifted into 4Hi and eventually to 4Lo and sent power through the front open differential and out to the wheels. Lockers on front differentials are typically for hard core off road/rock crawling applications only. If both the rear and the front axles are locked the truck is very hard to turn. That's why the front diff is open so each front wheel can turn at a different speeds.

[@johndough9187]

That's a hill? Never had that problem with my manual gearshift and manual hubs.

[@MNTB77]

You should remove the low air dam, I think it'll give it a better look! Nice video.

[@EpicCowlick]

That air dam is huge. This video is before I put on a 1.5 inch front level so it wouldn't hit the ground now. But still, I think I will put on the 2wd version which is about half the height.

[@cdash1234]

I am having the same issue with a 2017 250 super duty but plowing snow with it. Just picks and chooses when 4x4 works so weird

[@EpicCowlick]

If this behavior is continuing, you probably need to look into it further. This was a first time one-off and 4wd has worked flawlessly since then. You might have something else going on.

[@rsebrin1]

What is kind of weird is that my 2016 F250 did this the other day. I do not use 4WD often but when I did my front axle did not engage. My truck has less than 5K miles on it right now. After moving the switch back and forth and moving between park, neutral, reverse and drive it finally kicked on and the front axle engaged. Kinda crappy if you ask me. I did not like it.

[@EpicCowlick]

Ford's 4wd system definitely has its own personality. It likes being used and the more I think about it this could just be the vacuum drawing the air out of the lines before the hubs engage. Most of the commenters are saying the switch to 4Lo wasn't done right but it was. It just take a few seconds and maybe a few tire rotations for the front hubs to lock in when set to Auto. No biggie. I've had Ford trucks for many years and they always get the job done.

[@jason450rr]

Just to cover the basic did you put the truck into neutral before engaging 4L? I know on diesel models you actually have a electric vacuum pump that is used to engage the hubs unlike gas engines that use actual engine vacuum. Maybe since it was the first time use it had to overcome clearing the lines in the system.

[@EpicCowlick]

Yes, the video is not clear. Approach hill, turn to 4Hi, wait for confirmation, switch to neutral, turn to 4Lo, wait for confirmation and then go. Good theory about having to remove the air in the line. That's plausible.

[@jason450rr]

I don't know if it matters technically but maybe being in 4H and going to 4L could also been your glitch. Usually you either go to 4H which you can do moving or being 2WD come to a stop neutral and switch straight to 4L. As i'm sure you know sometimes you need to move a couple feet for the system to engage or disengage. By the way nice truck i have a 08 myself these 17 are really wearing on me good luck with it.

[@davidwelsh829]

EXACTLY, you must move the truck several lengths to get the hubs locked, more or less depending on each truck.

[@rvninnorthcarolina3377]

@@davidwelsh829 Correct, all autohubs even from the early days required at least a truck length to engage. Auto is great for those oh crap moments but when I know I am going to get into some questionable issues I just engage them. My other truck is a RAM and it has no hubs so this is not an issue BUT it also means I am rotating axle shafts all the time. I had a GMC Dually4WD that you had to drive forward slowly to engage under 4HI and then go to 2HI and drive backwards for 20' to get it to disengage...sometimes. You really never know if you disengaged or not though.....

[@brantcall7961]

Switching from 2 wheel to 4 high is done pretty easy since your just engaging the front driveshafts, diff, etc. but going to 4 low you need to stop and have the wheels straight and not bound up. It won't switch over if not. Did I change anything when u finally got it in 4 low?

[@EpicCowlick]

Yeah the video didn't show it but the shifting between 4Hi and 4Lo was done properly. Just a first time quirk but has worked just fine all winter.

[@valkeriy2011]

If you don’t put it in neutral before you engage the four wheel drive it won’t engage if you’re four wheel drive indicator is flashing its not in four wheel drive neutral before you take it out of four wheel drive or it will bind the drive shaft

[@pragmatic1111]

I decided to buy one of the last of the 16 F-350's rather than wait a few months for a 17 for two reasons: (1) to avoid the problems (like yours) that usually come in the first couple years of production of a new design, and (2) I knew the 17 would be more expensive (as it turns out, about $18K more). If it makes you feel any better, I've had (electrical) issues with mine, too. Mostly nuisance items. Sometimes when I start it, the radio turns on at full volume. Once, after starting, my entire panel cycled on/off half a dozen times before stabilizing. The most concerning was a series of warnings in bold red font: "DPF failure. Stop driving and have DPF serviced immediately to avoid irreparable damage", or something equivalent. I was in the middle of Kansas pulling a fifth wheel on the first leg of a multi-state trip. I went straight to a dealership. They couldn't find anything wrong, and...get this...no fault was recorded in the OBD! I've never seen that again.

[@EpicCowlick]

Any one of these trucks can have gremlins alright. The center screen did the same thing on th 2011 and this 2017. Weird that it does it a few times when new but stops after a few times. Hasn't blinked off again in 2.5 years. At the end of the day, these trucks are amazingly powerful, capable and comfortable.

[@pragmatic1111]

@@EpicCowlick Yes, they are! Incidentally, I installed a 50 gal Titan tank after watching your video and deciding that didn't look too hard. Most helpful! Belated thanks!!! :)

[@EpicCowlick]

@@pragmatic1111 Speaking of lots of fuel, wait for the next video. S&B makes a 60 gallon tank... Stay tuned!

[@81chowder]

Shouldn’t have to work “rough edges off?”

[@paigemansel5186]

all brands have to be in neutral with brake applied to go into 4L.

[@richardwallace2110]

what a nice truck, look solid like a tank. does it has manual locking hubs on the wheels?

[@EpicCowlick]

It's really amazing. Ford is doing great work right now. They have kept the manual/auto hubs so it's nice to always have a backup.

[@richardwallace2110]

+EpicCowlick I'm glad they went back to the front solid axle, that it's heavy duty

[@stevenruble3934]

Did you see indication in the off-road screen the front axle was turning?

[@EpicCowlick]

Steven Ruble Yes, transfer case was locked in properly. It just took the front hubs a few minutes to get their act together. They've worked perfectly ever since then.

[@gmrtg1414]

Not sure how the 250/350 work but both my 12/14 F150 needed to be in neutral and truck under 2-3 MPH for 4 low to engage.

[@EpicCowlick]

Yeah, the video does not show the switch to neutral before going into 4Lo.

[@ryanclement5471]

hey I have a 2014 f150 with a set of toyo rts and have been good so far, not had them offroad but once or twice, but was looking at getting a f250 soon and wanted to see how they done on the f250?

[@EpicCowlick]

They've been great both on road and off. Just got back from a 5,000 mile towing trip and they worked great even in a long rainstorm

[@supertrooper7403]

Hey sir. Can you tell me the make model and size of your tires? They look great. I just but 2018 250 SD. I love it even though the gas mileage is terrible. How about the gas mileage on yours?

[@EpicCowlick]

Toyo RT 37/12.5/20. They're great tires but rub on control arms at full lock with OEM wheels. 12 city, 15 mixed, 18 highway. Add 2 mpg if you stay with OEM tires. Diesel engine.

[@ricflair2779]

Appears to be a lot more rake here than the video in your driveway.. is this before you put the 37s on and leveled the truck or have raised the rear end ?

[@EpicCowlick]

Good eye. This is with the 37 inch Toyos but before the front end level. Back end is factory height

[@nas9071]

Is any ford with "4×4" sticker supposed to be off road truck? I didn't know that.

[@albertobadillo4367]

A diesel with the fx4 package is awesome

[@driftersden4439]

When you put the truck in 4L with the switch , do the front wheels lock to or you have to lock the front manually.

[@EpicCowlick]

The Ford Superduty has front hubs that allow AUTO or MANUAL locking. The hubs were in the AUTO position and were simply slow to engage the first time. They have worked properly hundreds of times after this. I'm told it's a good practice to manually lock hubs every couple of months or so just to keep things lubricated and working properly.

[@driftersden4439]

@@EpicCowlick Thanks I needed to see your video, I have never tried this just turn the switch inside, I couldn't tell when looking at wheel which setting I was in, normally when you purchase a vehicle they leave the front hubs in the auto position. if that's the case now I would know to go clockwise or counter clockwise.

[@blakeandrews5241]

What size tires are you running? Any lift or leveling kit?

[@EpicCowlick]

Toyo MT 37/12.50/20. It has a 1.5 inch ReadyLift front level now but it wasn't in this video. That was stock height with larger tires.

[@shawnriddle3018]

Electronic switching is known for this. Sometimes takes a few turns to engage. My power wagon has a lever. When its in its locked. No need for the axle to spin. Gotten me out of trouble.

[@EpicCowlick]

Yup. There's nothing quite so certain as the solid clunk that comes from a mechanical linkage.

[@machotires72]

Maybe there is no fluid running into it because its new. Like a trasmission flush you need to go through each gear so the fluid goes in each pocket.

[@EpicCowlick]

The transfer case wasn't the problem here, it was the hubs at the front wheels. The transfer case (which has automatic transmission fluid) confirmed the shift with a dash on the light and an audible little clunk when it engaged. The front wheel hubs operate on vacuum and some have suggested it took a little extra time to evacuate the air in the line the first time. Whether it was because of that or something else, it never re-occured after this event.

[@SuperAbbey12]

Curious, did you do anything aftermarket ? Tire size? Is it a platinum model?

[@EpicCowlick]

Tires are Toyo RT 37/12.50/20. Yes, it's a Platinum Ultimate.

[@chrisdavis6528]

you have to lock a ford in with a slowly forward motion and give it a few seconds for the vaccum pump to lock the hubs that's all a little patience and it will work every time

[@EpicCowlick]

That's exactly right. No biggie.

[@elixir220]

old trick i learned year ago from a buddy. if you engage 4x4 and its not performing the way it should. put it in reverse for a few feet that will get the 4x4 system all synched up. i have had this occur on every 4x4 i have ever owned . as you notice the guy reversed and everything seemed to work just fine

[@oilfieldtrucker4868]

Dang that's a pretty true 👍

[@scottg391]

Not much of a Ford guy but the 17's super duties are good looking trucks. The side grill on the fender the only offensive part of the entire body.

[@EpicCowlick]

It took me a couple of months to like the new style but now I really like it. Very different from the previous model.

[@scottg391]

Agreed, the 11-16 front end was too much, It looked front heavy. The 10' was the last nice looking truck as long as you had the gas engine and not the 6.4 diesel. They really got it right with the 17", the look and the engine. The F-150 front end is still one Fords more hideous designs since the 87-91 front end, boring and ugly all at the same time. I think a new design may be in the works for 18' F-150.

[@gregparrott]

Thanks for the video and info. I've heard standard Diesel maintenance is a lot more than it is for gas engines. Can you estimate the difference in routine maintenance costs between Diesel and gas? I don't plan to tow more than ~12000 lbs. Consequently, a Diesel's initial cost premium along with any possible increase in maintenance costs seem like an expensive luxury.

[@EpicCowlick]

This diesel takes 13 quarts of oil, most cars are 4-6. The air filter is more and the fuel filters are more. The engine costs $8,500 and you get back half that 6 years later on trade in. But it's not just about the numbers. You're paying for power and capability. If you don't need that, a gas engine truck is just fine. But if you're going to tow over 10,000 lbs with a gas engine, most guys will say you need the 4.33 rear end.

[@gregparrott]

Thanks for the info. I had not considered the requirement for higher gearing. I know the purchase price differential but I've seen comments which lead to to believe that maintenance costs were higher for things like injectors, etc. Filters and oil are of little significance relative to maintenance costs.

[@EpicCowlick]

Yeah, I wouldn't consider injectors, fuel pumps, turbos as maintenance items. The engine is designed to run 250,000 miles and anything less is a failure. There's lots of rumors and some have had expensive repairs but statistically the 6.7L engine and 6R140 transmission are incredibly reliable and failure free. These are built completely by Ford and are much better motors than the 6.0 and 6.4 International Harvester engines.

[@AlexKolipinski]

Don't you have to get out and lock the hubs on HD Fords?

[@EpicCowlick]

Nope. The hubs have two positions. Auto and Lock. The Lock position is for occasions where they don't automatically lock due to a vacuum failure.

[@stephens0331]

Exactly why I got my 2017 cummins with a manual G56 transmission, Southbend dual disk clutch, and manual 4x4 engagement like an old school jeep. Don't gotta deal deal with all the bullshit electronics.

[@EpicCowlick]

Nice truck but why do all the Ram guys call their trucks "cummins" instead of Rams? The Cummins is a fine engine but it is not a truck.

[@kodiehess5430]

I have a 2016 and my issue was grinding going into low 4x4 and what is with the size of fuel tank can't even go 270 kms towing with out having to fill up hey ford its a work truck

[@EpicCowlick]

Sounds like a transfer case problem. The tank on the new trucks is thankfully 34 gallons (129 liters) now. The 26 gallon tank was way too small.

[@wiktorowicz45]

More videos on the truck

[@leadnsteel1428]

I miss the good old shifter. I hate these new electronic dials.

[@duramax78]

I've had a Chevy 2500 same friggin thing and I'd get stuck and had to be towed out but if the front was turning I woulda never got stuck.

[@IFIXUR360]

not liking the new trucks, the more gears they add the more trouble you got. my 06 explorer has zero problems locking in 4hi 4lo and even locks in in auto. I hardly ever have to push the button. I did one time heading up to lake winona and you gotta rock crawl to get there. hit some steep rock steps but 4lo crawls right up them all while my wife has a panic attack. good times lol.

[@Dave-Dogs]

Did you do a leveling kit? If so the vacuum hose could have came off, it needs to be lenghtened.

[@EpicCowlick]

I didn't have a level on it at the time of this video but that's a great point. I have a 2.5 inch level now and I haven't checked the vacuum lines. Will do.

[@Dave-Dogs]

We have had a couple that with a level and bigger wheels that the vacuum hose slips off and needs to be lengthened.

[@JoshGrayHHH619]

Are you planning on doing similar upgrades to this truck like you did your 2011?

[@EpicCowlick]

Plenty more to come. Airbags & onboard air is next.

[@JoshGrayHHH619]

Awesome! Loved the old videos of the upgrades! Keep it up!

[@2muchgear750]

I tried 4Hi today on some loose terrain. The rear diff locked without pulling the knob. Thoughts? Anyone?

[@The2008tundra]

I believe from what I've read (Just got a F-250 6.2 with 3.73 lockers) the rear locks, but you do the switch to lock the front. I do need to read the OM though.

[@cnelson0541]

I'm guessing you left the hubs in auto and did not lock them

[@EpicCowlick]

Yup, it takes a few cycles until Auto works properly. You only get one chance to diagnose this because it only happens when the truck is brand new. But I believe if I had turned the hubs to LOCK it would have engage the front wheels no problem. I've left the hubs in the AUTO position all winter and they have worked dozens of times.

[@superdutyscaler6823]

This is why you order your truck with manual 4x4 system, I don't need a computer to tell a electric motor to turn a lever on my tcase and then tell a vacuum pump to turn on so it can actuate POS vacuum hubs. On My F350 I made sure It was equipped with manual 4x4, I get out to turn my hubs...little mud will never hurt you

[@EpicCowlick]

You might have missed the part where the hubs have worked perfectly since that time. It was a one time deal and has not re-occurred. The hubs can be manually turned to lock if the vacuum hubs actually do fail. Best of both worlds.

[@superdutyscaler6823]

I know my old ford had the auto/manual hubs with esof. They sucked hubs were replaced twice under warranty because the dials kept freezing in auto, one time I had weeds and mud wrapped around the vacuum line and it pulled off the hub nipple so I lost vacuum which caused the hubs to unlock and then lost 4wd when I needed it the most to het out of a muddy corn field while goose hunting. My new f350 I selected the standard old school 4wd on the floor and old school free/lock hubs I did option for the e-locker though. And nj i did read your post and understand after this "first" time it's worked fine BUT that first time could have been when you really needed it like slid into a ditch during a bad storm or trying to het to that secret flooded pond to get some mallards during pre season