Engaging 4 x 4 on the fly and popping sound

[Fubs]

Haven't had much snow here in the Cheeseland this winter, but tonight I had to drive in it, while driving I engaged the 4 x 4 on the fly... I was doing around 35 or so, and I heard a pop or clunk I guess as it engaged, but it seemed like it was only from the driver's side. Got through the rough open field areas, into the city and back into 2WD. On the way home, the same thing. While driving I'm also hearing a droning sound from the front end with the 4WD engaged.

This is my first Superduty and not sure if any of this is normal or not. I checked the locked outs and they both appear to be in the unlocked position. I've had 4 x 4 trucks most of my life and I can't ever recall a snapping or popping noise when the 4x4 engages on any of my other trucks... I've had all of the big 3.

Any ideas?

[Scubamax]

My truck is still very new, but I can tell you that my 05 Dmax made some poping almost every time it went into 4wd. My new ford makes "some" noise, but.... Not what you are talking about. I'm sure it's nothing, but If it were to get worse, I'd have the dealer take a look.

[Fubs]

Thanks, I'll keep an eye on it. I have a 2000 Expedition Eddie Bauer we bought when the kid was young and It never makes any noise going in our out... but it is sort of always in with the Auto 4wd. I have a Company Vehicle that's a 2009 Trailblazer, no noise. My Dodge was a 97 and I can't remember any noise. My Chevy, well was an oldie.. 77 and it didn't make any noise that I could hear over the side pipes and built 350 LOL. I just want to check with the folks in the know, spent too much on my SD and don't want to have issues.

[matty21]

they all do it. not to worry. its a super duty truck not a little suv. the transfercase is a tad beafier

[Ken2012f350]

You are very likely going to need hubs. They are a problem with these trucks. Mine is going in for warranty hubs on the 10th with 8000 km. They never clunked in until one day, then every time, then a growl....
I think integrated hub/actuators is going to bite ford in the arse, then us when off warranty.

[Suzuki6mx]

I do know that, if your traveling at any speed, and your rear wheels are losing any traction and spinning there will be a pop or slam into 4x4. Think about it, if your rearend is spinning technically doing 40 while your front end is doing 35 then its gonna slam into gear. I usually try to slow down if possible and then engage 4x4. or go to neutral at higher speed

[Ken2012f350]

Originally Posted by Suzuki6mx

I do know that, if your traveling at any speed, and your rear wheels are losing any traction and spinning there will be a pop or slam into 4x4. Think about it, if your rearend is spinning technically doing 40 while your front end is doing 35 then its gonna slam into gear. I usually try to slow down if possible and then engage 4x4. or go to neutral at higher speed

Oh no kidding, foot off the gas, coasting prior to engaging is a must.

[ruizhernandeztrust]

I don't own a 6.7L but when I put the 4x4 in my 6.4L it didn't make any noises or strange pops sounds, just a smooth engage

[Ken2012f350]

Originally Posted by ruizhernandeztrust

I don't own a 6.7L but when I put the 4x4 in my 6.4L it didn't make any noises or strange pops sounds, just a smooth engage

Mine didn't either when it was new. After driving an hour there, them doing 'warranty diagnostics' for an hour, then driving home again with the same hubs, I am waiting for authorization to waste another 3 hours so they can repeat the process.

["Stroker 8"]

I have the manual locking hubs and have never had this issue, this is my second winter here in ohio using 4x4 and problem free thus far. Hope you get it figured out.