Ok I researched the CDL. I appears that would get me out of my bind of getting the boat out. Thanks for that info. I also appears you don't want to keep it engaged while normal driving if I read everything correct. Now I will go check fluid levels and replace my Shuttle valve switch...
Scott

 

You should really research how the all time 4x4 in your truck works. Start with the owners manual. If you don't have one that rave manual has it in it.

 

Yup you are correct.

Oh and find a F250 powerstroke to pull that boat out.

 

the mini shifter infront of your gear shifter (park, neutral, 3 2 1, reverse) is the cdl "controller". there is (or should be) a diagram directly infront of it on the dash that shows you the shift pattern for it, it will do high range, low range and neutral, and locked high, locked low. low range is good for high torque needs (such as pulling up steep grades or towing heavy loads), high is for normal everyday use, neutral you would use while being towed. moving the shifter to the left side is in locked mode, to the right is unlocked, down is hi, up is low speed (if i remember right). and note, dont use locked mode for driving on anything but offroad/snow or loose gravel etc... unless of course you are trying to pull a boat out and drive it stright and slow to reduce strain on the system on tarmac where the tires have max traction.

what i cant remember is if it was 1998 or 1999 that was the last year that came with the shift linkage to the locker... i know mine (2000) does not for sure. if your shifter only has high/lo/neutral, you will have to take an extra step to lock it. the shifter doesnt have the linkage to the part that locks it, but the lock is still there. you will have to crawl under the car with a wrench and manually turn it to lock... think its 10 or 11mm size, open wrench (ive never had luck getting a socket on it since its really not hexagonal, i think its rectangle shape) and it spins only a half or so in either direction to lock/unlock... you cant over do it in either direction with hand pressure... the stop point is very apparent.

 

His '99 will not has the linkage to lock the CDL.
If his 3 Amigo's were not on then his traction control would kick in and he'd be fine.