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TWO-SPEED REAR AXLE (IF EQUIPPED)
A two-speed rear axle allows the driver to select a LO range for greater
pulling power and a HI range for greater road speed and fuel economy.
These ranges can also be used to provide additional steps between
transmission shifts when driving on steep grades and/or fuel economy
may be factors.
Note:Do not shift between ranges when the speed control is on.
Never shift a two-speed axle when descending a steep grade as
this may cause loss of vehicle control and result in personal
injury.
Axle shifting
Manual transmissions:
•To downshift,select the next lower gear, release and depress the
accelerator pedal rapidly, or while holding the accelerator pedal down,
release and engage the clutch rapidly.Note:The clutch method is
recommended when driving at slower speeds.
•To upshift,keep the accelerator pedal down, select the next higher
gear, release the accelerator and pause until the axle upshifts.Note:
De-clutch for smoother axle upshifts when driving at slower speeds.
Automatic transmissions:
•Use LO range for when you drive
a fully loaded vehicle on a severe
grade or in congested traffic. To
activate LO range, press the
upper portion of the switch.
•Use HI range for all normal
driving conditions with a lightly
loaded or partially loaded vehicle.
To activate HI range, press the
lower portion of the switch.
Note:You cannot split-shift with an automatic transmission. Also,
downshifting above 64 km/h (40 mph) may result in transmission or axle
damage.
Shifting the axle from LO to HI range - vehicle stopped
Place the transmission in N (Neutral), the press the lower part of the
switch.
LOW
2SPD
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Shifting the axle from LO to HI range - vehicle moving
Accelerate to approximately 56 km/h (35 mph), press the lower part of
the switch while the transmission is in N (Neutral), then release and
apply the accelerator.
Shifting the axle from HI to LO range - vehicle stopped
Place the transmission in N (Neutral), then press the upper part of the
switch.
Note:Do not shift the axle to LO range with the vehicle in motion.
Split-shifting (combined axle and transmission shift - manual
transmissions only)
Split-shift sequence
Ratio
combination1234567891011
Transmission
gear1st 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 4th 4th 5th 6th 6th
Axle range LO HI LO HI LO HI LO HI LO LO HI
To downshiftthe axle to a slower ratio and shift the transmission, shift
the transmission and move the control switch to the lower ratio before
the clutch is re-engaged.
To upshiftthe axle and shift the transmission, move the control switch
to a faster ratio and make the transmission shift in the usual manner.
Ratio extender use
Low End
A two-speed axle can be used as a ratio-extender when split shifting is
not necessary. For low end use, just shift the axle into the LO to start
out, and shift to HI when the extra torque is no longer needed.
Transmission
(5-speed)1st 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Two-speed Axle Axle
LowAxle High
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High End
To use the two-speed axle as a high end ratio-extender, stay in the LO
range for normal upshifts and only shift the axle to HI on the freeway for
greater road speed.
Transmission (5-speed) 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th
Speed
Two-Speed Axle Low for Gradeability Axle
High
MAXIMUM VEHICLE LOADING
Every vehicle manufactured by Ford Motor Company is supplied with
information on the Vehicle Rating Decal listing the maximum loading for
the vehicle (GVWR), and its axle systems (GAWR) at the tire to ground
interface.
•U.S.
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•Canada
Under no circumstances should your vehicle be loaded in excess of the
GVWR or GAWR. It is the operator’s responsibility to assure that neither
the axle capacities, spring capacities, tire capacities nor the vehicle rated
GVWR is exceeded. For tire capacities, refer toMaintenance and
specificationschapter.
Unloaded or lightly loaded vehicles
The braking system has been designed to safely stop your vehicle when
fully loaded to its GVWR.
When operating empty or lightly loaded, sudden or hard braking
may induce wheel lockup with loss of vehicle control and the
possibility of accident and serious injury, especially on wet or slippery
road surfaces.
TRAILER TOWING
Towing a trailer places an additional load on your vehicle’s engine,
transmission, axle, brakes, tires and suspension. Inspect these
components carefully prior to and after any towing operation.
Your vehicle’s load capacity is designated by weight, not by volume, so
you cannot necessarily use all available space when loading a vehicle.
2nd unit bodies are not included in maximum trailer weight ratings. The
weight of the additional“body”must be subtracted from the maximum
trailer weight.
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Note:Do not exceed the GVWR or the GAWR specified on the
certification label.
Towing trailers beyond the maximum recommended gross trailer
weight exceeds the limit of the vehicle and could result in
engine damage, transmission damage, structural damage, loss of vehicle
control, vehicle rollover and personal injury.
Model Maximum
GVWR - kg
(lbs)Maximum
GCWR - kg
(lbs)*
F-650 Regular/Super/Crew Cab 11793 (26000) 18143 (40000)
F-750 Regular/Super/Crew Cab 13608 (30000) 20412 (45000)
F-750 Regular/Super/Crew Cab 14969 (33000) 27216 (60000)
* Figures shown are the maximum available for each model. Actual
ratings may be less, depending on your transmission. Check with your
sales consultant for the exact rating on your vehicle.
Preparing to tow
Use the proper equipment for towing a trailer and make sure it is
properly attached to your vehicle. See your dealer or a reliable trailer
dealer if you require assistance.
Hitches
Do not use hitches that clamp onto the vehicle’s bumper or attach to the
axle. You must distribute the load in your trailer so that 10%–15% of the
total weight of the trailer is on the tongue.
Safety chains
Always connect the trailer’s safety chains to the frame or hook retainers
of the vehicle hitch. To connect the trailer’s safety chains, cross the
chains under the trailer tongue and allow slack for turning corners.
If you use a rental trailer, follow the instructions that the rental agency
gives to you.
Do not attach safety chains to the bumper.
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Trailer brakes
Electric brakes and manual, automatic or surge-type trailer brakes are
safe if installed properly and adjusted to the manufacturer’s
specifications. The trailer brakes must meet local and Federal
regulations.
Do not connect a trailer’s hydraulic brake system directly to your
vehicle’s brake system. Your vehicle may not have enough
braking power and your chances of having a collision greatly increase.
Trailer lamps
Trailer lamps are required on most towed vehicles. Your vehicle may be
equipped with one of two possible trailer wiring designs. Make sure all
running lights, brake lights, turn signals and hazard lights are working.
See your dealer or trailer rental agency for proper instructions and
equipment for hooking up trailer lamps.
Driving while you tow
When towing a trailer:
•Turn off the speed control. The speed control may shut off
automatically when you are towing on long, steep grades.
•Consult your local motor vehicle speed regulations for towing a trailer.
•To eliminate excessive transmission shifting, use a lower gear. This will
also assist in transmission cooling.
•Anticipate stops and brake gradually.
•Do not exceed the GCWR rating or transmission damage may occur.
Servicing after towing
If you tow a trailer for long distances, your vehicle will require more
frequent service intervals. Refer to your scheduled maintenance guide for
more information.
Trailer towing tips
•Practice turning, stopping and backing up before starting on a trip to
get the feel of the vehicle trailer combination. When turning, make
wider turns so the trailer wheels will clear curbs and other obstacles.
•Allow more distance for stopping with a trailer attached.
•The trailer tongue weight should be 10–15% of the loaded trailer
weight.
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•After you have traveled 80 km (50 miles), thoroughly check your
hitch, electrical connections and trailer wheel lug nuts.
•To aid in engine/transmission cooling and A/C efficiency during hot
weather while stopped in traffic, place the gearshift lever in P (Park)
(if available on your automatic transmission) or N (Neutral) (manual
transmissions and automatic transmissions without a P [Park]
position).
•Vehicles with trailers should not be parked on a grade. If you must
park on a grade, place wheel chocks under the trailer’s wheels.
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GETTING ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE
To fully assist you should you have a vehicle concern, Ford offers a
complimentary roadside assistance program. This program is separate
from the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and is not applicable to vehicles
sold in Canada. The service is available:
•24–hours, seven days a week
•for the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period (U.S.) of two years
(unlimited miles)
Roadside assistance will cover:
•jump-starts.
•lock-out assistance.
•towing to the nearest Ford Motor Company dealership, or towing to
your selling dealership if within 56 km (35 miles). Even non-warranty
related tows, like accidents or getting stuck in the mud or snow, are
covered (some exclusions apply, such as impound towing or
repossession).
Using roadside assistance
Complete the roadside assistance identification card and place it in your
wallet for quick reference. This card is found in the Owner Guide
portfolio in the glove compartment.
To receive roadside assistance in the United States, call 1-800-241-3673.
If you need to arrange roadside assistance for yourself, Ford will
reimburse a reasonable amount. To obtain information about
reimbursement, call 1-800-241-3673.
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