Hi there.
Just wondering how to take off the 4 wheel drive actuator located on the fron axle. Its a 98 f-150. Doesnt look like its that complicated but sometimes looks are deceiving. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

This is what it looks like.

 

Morris------did you get your actuator off okay> I got everything off except the dang thing is rusted if brass can rust to aluminum Nothing has been easy with this truck (210,000) miles. I put on a new transfer case motor (not the problem) haynes book doesnt take into account DYI's like me. I put some WD40 on the bushing and will continue to pound on it. If I break that aluminum ear I will sell this truck. I don't have luxury of lift so on a creeper.

 

No I havent even attempted to take it off. Would like to find somebody who has done one before to share some pointers. I dont even know where to start without breaking stuff.

 

Be sure you spray it with a good penitrating spray and let it soak, then repeat as needed!

 

Is the shift fork the piece that comes down from the transfer case and fits into the groove in the shaft of the actuator? If so I pried this off and sprayed the shaft of the actuator with penetrating oil and worked it back and fourth. With the shift fork off, the actuator seems to work properly. Once i put the fork back onto the actuator it only moves a little. Not enough to engage 4 wheel drive tho. Does this mean I have a shift fork problem? I was also wondering if the diaphram in the actuator is ripped a bit and not pulling hard enough to move the shift fork. It will push it out fine to go into 2WD but will not move it into 4WD. I couldnt even move the shift fork with vise grips to put it into 4WD. This is what makes me think this is what the issue is.

 

Morris--sounds like your in the same scenario I am in. New Transfer case motor, new actuator, seems like I have vacuum---but the dang shift lever, I also put a visegrip on it trying to move it into engagement for 4wd, doesnt budge.

1. How far should the fork move
2. How do the hoses come off the selonoids to test for vacuum without
pulling the brackett off?
3. If I pull off the actuator cover again and have someone switch from 2wd to
4wd and the actuator moves, how far should it travel???