Introduction Notice to 4X2 utility vehicle owners 4WD and AWD systems 4WD Or AWD operation on the road Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD Trailer towing Tires, replacement requirements Maintenance and modifications Hauling cargo and vehicle handling Index Table of contents...
Introduction INTRODUCTION Welcome to Ford Motor Company’s world of four-wheel driving! Your new 4WD or AWD vehicle opens up a completely different and challenging world of travel unlike what you have ever experienced with a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle. Now, you’ll be able to travel places where roads don’t.
4WD or AWD option for your vehicle, many of its operating characteristics are similar to those of 4WD or AWD vehicles. For this reason, Ford urges you to read and understand the contents of this supplement. 4WD AND AWD SYSTEMS...
4WD and AWD systems drive over terrain and road conditions that a conventional two-wheel drive vehicle can’t. Power is supplied to all four wheels through a transfer case. On 4WD vehicles the transfer case allows you to select 4WD when necessary.
Page 5
How your vehicle differs from other vehicles 4WD and AWD vehicles can differ from some other vehicles in a few noticeable ways. Your 4WD or AWD may be: Higher — to allow it to travel over rough terrain without getting hung up or damaging underbody components, and to accommodate 4WD components.
4WD or AWD operation on the road 4WD OR AWD OPERATION ON THE ROAD Basic operating principles Do not use 4WD on dry, hard surfaced roads (except models equipped with Auto 4WD or AWD). This may damage the drivelines and axles. Drive slower in strong crosswinds which can affect the normal steering characteristics...
Page 7
4WD or AWD operation on the road rather than attempt a sudden return to the pavement which could cause the vehicle to slide sideways out of control or rollover. Remember, your safety and the safety of others should be your primary concern. Emergency maneuvers In an unavoidable emergency situation where a sudden sharp...
Page 8
4WD or AWD operation on the road Snow and ice Your 4WD or AWD vehicle will have advantages over two-wheel drive vehicles in snow and on ice by providing increased driving traction. However, if you suddenly change speed or direction you may lose control.
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD operation of the anti-lock brake system. Parking Before leaving the driver’s seat, you should make sure that the gearshift is engaged in P (Park) with an automatic transmission or either 1 (First) or R (Reverse) with a manual transmission.
Page 10
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. You should either know the terrain or examine maps of the area before driving. Map out your route before driving in the area. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four wheels on the ground and...
Page 11
“Tread Lightly” is an educational program designed to increase public awareness of land-use regulations and responsibilities in our nations wilderness areas. Ford joins the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in encouraging you to help preserve our national forest and other public and private lands by “treading lightly.”...
Page 12
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD Water Before driving through water, determine the depth. Avoid water higher than the bottom of the wheel hubs. Proceed slowly to avoid splashing, if the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall. Once through water, always try the brakes.
Page 13
Driving off-road with 4WD or AWD diagonally up or down a hill or steep incline, you should always try to drive straight up or straight down. Avoid driving crosswise or turning on steep slopes or hills. A danger lies in losing traction, slipping sideways and possibly rolling over.
Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). Refer to “Ford Recreation Vehicle and Trailer Towing Guide,” the “Owner’s Guide” or see an authorized Ford or Lincoln/Mercury Dealer for...
Ford or Lincoln/Mercury dealer. If you nevertheless decide to equip your 4WD or AWD for off-road use with tires larger than what Ford recommends, you should not use these tires for highway driving. If you use any tire/wheel...
Page 16
Failure to follow tire pressure recommendations can adversely affect the way your vehicle handles. Do not exceed the Ford recommended pressure even if it is less than the maximum pressure allowed for the tire.
For this reason, Ford strongly recommends that you do not make modifications such as adding or removing parts (such as lift kits or stabilizer bars) or by...
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling components is recommended if the vehicle is subjected to heavy off-road usage. Refer to the “Owner’s Guide” and “Service Guide” for proper maintenance instructions and schedules. HAULING CARGO AND VEHICLE HANDLING When using your vehicle to haul cargo, make sure it is properly loaded to help ensure safe handling.
Page 19
Hauling cargo and vehicle handling Loading the vehicle improperly can deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle control. Once you have reached the weight capacity of the vehicle, do not add more cargo, even if there is space available.