1996 Ford F250 Owner's Manual - Page 201

u Manual locking hubs must be in LOCK position before shifting into four-wheel drive. When using four-wheel drive, maintain steering wheel control at all times, especially in rough terrain. Since sudden changes in terrain can result in abrupt steering wheel motion, make sure you grip the steering wheel rim from the outside. Do not grip the spokes. Drive cautiously to avoid vehicle damage from concealed objects such as rocks and stumps. Know the terrain or examine maps of the area in question before driving. Map out your route beforehand. To maintain steering and braking control of your vehicle, you must have all four tires on the ground, and they must be rolling, not sliding or spinning. Transmission upshift in 4x4 with transfer case in 4L may be quite firm due to large total gear reduction. This condition is normal. Sand When driving over sand, try to keep all four wheels of the vehicle on the most solid area of the trail. Do not reduce the tire pressures but shift to a lower gear and drive steadily through the terrain. Apply accelerator slowly and avoid spinning the wheels. Mud and Water When driving through water, determine the depth; avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs (if possible) and proceed slowly. If the ignition system gets wet, the vehicle may stall. Once through water, always try the brakes. Wet brakes do not stop the vehicle as effectively as dry brakes. Drying can be improved by moving your vehicle slowly, while applying light pressure on the brake pedal. 199