F150 trucks

[jonzer12]

If the truck will fit down the trails you plan to explore than its a perfectly suitable platform. I used to have a 2001 F-150 supercrew, I did years of hunting and backcountry driving with it. All I did was add a few skid plates, lock the rear and put some good rubber on it. I have a Jeep for pure wheeling but for camping/fishing/hunting it was more than capable enough so long as it could actually fit down the trails.

I sold it a couple years ago to finiance the wife's car but I have done a few multi-day trips in the Jeep and really missed the truck. A good rack over the truck bed gives you so much versatility and the high gross weight ratings of the Ford meant it barely struggled when it was all loaded up.

[Ala5ka]

In a perfect world the only thing I would do is armor the undercarriage, lock the rear, rock sliders, add bumpers and expo gear. For a basic camping and exploration the F150 is great. I would add the same stuff that any expo rig has and your camping stuff and your set. The only complaint I really have is the kind of weak IFS and the gas mileage. I bet that the IFS problem could be remedied by simply owing a different year because mine has the torsion bar IFS (bleck). I think it is a great platform for extended camping and moderate trails.

[txflyyaker]

Ozarker
Good questions. I too have questions. I have an 04 F150 4x4 with the automatic switch on the dash for 4 wheel drive engagement (2wd/4hi/4lo). I found out yesterday that on slick roads that the 4x4 doesn't actuate right away. My question is: Does the manual transfer case engagement (lever on some models on the floor) engage the transfer case and does it lock it in 4x4 instead of a solenoid engaging 4x4? Also can the auto engagement be swapped over to the manual lever engagement? What are the pros and cons to doing this and also can I even do this swap?

[DuvaFX4]

Ozarker
Good questions. I too have questions. I have an 04 F150 4x4 with the automatic switch on the dash for 4 wheel drive engagement (2wd/4hi/4lo). I found out yesterday that on slick roads that the 4x4 doesn't actuate right away. My question is: Does the manual transfer case engagement (lever on some models on the floor) engage the transfer case and does it lock it in 4x4 instead of a solenoid engaging 4x4? Also can the auto engagement be swapped over to the manual lever engagement? What are the pros and cons to doing this and also can I even do this swap?

When you asked if the 4x4 doesn't engage right away do mean the truck didnt switch to 4x4 by it self or you mean you selected 4hi or 4lo and it took a second to engage? The truck will not do it automatically. When you select 4hi or 4lo it will take a second for the solenoid to enagage. As for a manual transfer case when you shift it into 4x4 it does automatically, as if you were shifting with a manual transmission. If you want a manual shift 4x4 you will have to get a new transfer case with manual shift you can not switch it with the automatic transfer case. Somebody please correct me if i am wrong i do not want to give false information out it has been 7 months since i have seen my truck to actually go out and look at it to make sure because im currently deployed. I hope this answers your question.

[Ala5ka]

The manual transfer case is nice because I know that I never have to worry about electronics to engage my four by, but You have to come to a complete stop and take the truck completely out of gear before engaging and even then I've had to turn the truck off, but for some reason the 4X4 on the floor seems more reliable.

[Chili]

I love that body style and when I'm in the market for a pick-up it will be that style in supercrew 4x4.

[SightPicture]

I absolutley love my F150. I don't think for one hot second that it is a"poor" or "lacking" platform for Expo. **** my perfect setup for my needs/wants would be to throw a leveling kit on there, a cap, an easily removable sleeping platform, and some good rubber. A receiver mounted winch would also be nice. I feel as though my '09 has plenty of power and the fuel mileage is pretty good for the size truck. My biggest problem is finding places around me to off road. Everything is freaking hours away, it sucks.

[marshal]

The manual transfer case is nice because I know that I never have to worry about electronics to engage my four by, but You have to come to a complete stop and take the truck completely out of gear before engaging and even then I've had to turn the truck off, but for some reason the 4X4 on the floor seems more reliable.

i had a New Process NP241OR-HD in my wrangler, which was the largest chain driven transfercase made and it was manual, but the Borg Warner 44-06HD that is in my F150 is by far more reliable. i see your point however, and id honestly prefer manual components in nearly everything, but having electric stuff is reeeeeeally nice. i love having power windows

[Got Beer]

Kozmo, great looking truck. Exactly what I'm looking to do to mine. I agree with the more enjoyable reading found in the ExPo forum over the others. And that although not your traditional ExPo rig, one can get to a whole lot of fun places in the F150.

Ala5ka I've been following some of your stuff as well.

[txflyyaker]

I want to swap over the automatic transfer case to the manual, where is the best place to start gathering information on the process? I don't want to rely on the light in the dash telling me I'm in 4 by I want to know for sure.