Well that was fun.

[STx]

Since my tractor is down for repairs and waiting on parts, I decided to take the truck across the creek to fill the back feeder yesterday. I've done it before and it's a little tight but with 4x4, it's easily doable. As I drop into the creek crossing, I switch to 4x4 like normal but, it doesn't come on. I'm committed at this point, there really isn't a way to back out of it, so I just go for it. I get part way up the other side and the back left tire hits some soft stuff drops just enough for the right rear to not have any traction. I'm able to back up some, trying to get repositioned and I end up like the first picture.

OK, so the tractor is broken down, my wife is back in Houston and my 4x4 is out, now I've got problems. There's a procedure to force the transfer case into 4 Low so I go ahead and give that a try, no good. I'm left with only one option now (well I could call a wrecker I guess but, that just seems like giving up). Time to break out the 4x4 and ratchet straps. Worked like a charm.

From now on, I'm keeping a piece of 4x4 in the truck at all times. I always have ratchet straps in it anyway and this little trick could have saved my butt from a LOT of work numerous times in the past. It saved me twice today.

I wish I could take credit for the idea being original but, I stole it from this YouTube video I saw about a year ago. Figured if it worked for him, it would definitely work for me.

Swedish tractor extraction method - YouTube

 

[EddieWalker]

I saw the same video, but never tried it myself. Glad it worked for you.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Cool idea! I'm wondering why the 4x4 wouldn't come on though, just when you need it? Is that common?

Glad you got out without the wrecker or outside help.

 

[STx]

It's something electrical, I haven't really dug into it yet. The truck is 14 years old and has 283,000 miles on it. I've had some issues in the past with the 4WD, about every 3 or 4 years something in it breaks. Mostly it's reliable but with a truck this old, nothing is 100% anymore.

I'm not giving up my 7.3 though, so I deal with the issues as they come up.

 

[ovrszd]

Does it have auto engage hubs that you can also spin in by hand??

 

[STx]

Yes but, that's not where my issue is. The vacuum system for the hubs is working fine, the transfer case motor won't engage. You can force it to 4 Low by shorting pin 11 of the 22 pin connector on the 4WD control module to ground but, that didn't work either. So, I've either got a bad motor (it was replaced a few years ago so I don't think it's bad), bad relay (they're original so that would be the most likely cause) or a wiring problem (I really, REALLY hope this isn't it). I've already checked all the fuses and they're fine.

I know the system on this truck pretty well, I just don't like troubleshooting it so I have to get in the right frame of mind before I tackle it.

 

[ovrszd]

Yep. I understand the frustration. Normal failure is hubs, with 4x4 light on.

My truck is '00 model with 220K miles.

I'll jinx myself, never have had a problem other than hubs. And I never go into a 4x4 spot without first making sure it's engaged. I don't trust the system, although it hasn't let me down. I manually spin my hubs in any time I'm using 4x4.

If Greg finds this thread he might shed some light. Very knowledgeable about these trucks.

 

[STx]

I've replaced all the vacuum lines in the truck and the solenoid for the hubs about 3 years ago. They were breaking here and there and I got tired of chasing them down only to have another leak show up somewhere else a few months later.

A hub failure would've been preferred, then I could have just manually locked them and rolled on.

 

[dickfoster]

I'll log that one away for some day when I may need it. Off roaders are always doing stuff like this.
You can also wrap a strap around a tire as a substitute for a winch if you don't have one and there is an anchor handy. For open diffs sometimes light pressure on the brake pedal can sometimes get you out of a pinch, I have selectable lockers front and rear. Also don't forget to air down.

 

[dickfoster]

Yes but, that's not where my issue is. The vacuum system for the hubs is working fine, the transfer case motor won't engage. You can force it to 4 Low by shorting pin 11 of the 22 pin connector on the 4WD control module to ground but, that didn't work either. So, I've either got a bad motor (it was replaced a few years ago so I don't think it's bad), bad relay (they're original so that would be the most likely cause) or a wiring problem (I really, REALLY hope this isn't it). I've already checked all the fuses and they're fine.

I know the system on this truck pretty well, I just don't like troubleshooting it so I have to get in the right frame of mind before I tackle it.

I hate when they complicate stuff that doesn't need to be complicated. Just more stuff to fail. What's wrong with a standard shifter fer pity sake. All these lectric motors, push buttons n blinkin lights just got no place in anything utility oriented. Soccer moms aren't a decent market for 4X4s anyway.