I want to buy a truck with this option. The switch/****/dial to the right of the steering wheel but to the left of the radio.

If I buy a truck without it, can one be added at a dealership?

Or would I be stuck without it for life?


Also..... can someone give me an estimate for front and rear seats from a recycler for a crew cab?

Thanks a million!

 

Moved to Super Duty

You probably can add it after the fact, but it would be a step backwards IMO. If you think 4x4 will be needed at some point in your trip, you can very simply just lock the hubs before you depart, and engage from in the cab en route. Locking hubs and a stick case are much more reliable than any of the manufacturers auto hubs.

 

Manual hubs and stick on the floor is the way to go,,if you want your 4x4 to be reliable,,,,Most trucks come with the ESOF,,or **** on the dash,,,finding a truck with the manual hubs and stick on the floor(only kind I buy) Is more hard to find.

Manual to electric transfere case's are different,,,would be rather big $$ to change over.

 

my vote is the manual system as well. I have had both. My current one is the manual and it is no effort to lock the hubs in if needed.

 

I agree with the floor shifter. I have had two of these trucks with the electronic shift and neither have worked.

 

I agree with the rest of the guys here. Get the 4wd system that has a lever actuated transfer case. This gets you manual locking hubs in the front instead of the Auto/Lock hubs found with the electric shifting case. Read the boards on here and you'll see that the system you're wanting has relability issues.


The lever actuated transfer case can be shifted on the fly as long as both hubs are locked.


Many people who drive in snow and or live with inclement winter weather leave the hubs locked for months at a time. Just make sure your rear tires aren't slipping and pull back on the lever to 4x4 high.

 

Well normally I'd be here singing the praises of the manual 4x4 system, but I'll go ahead and stick up for the ESOF for a little. Its an option that will probably help hold some value in the truck if you plan on selling in a few years, and it's a very attractive option to people who are into having all the convienences (like power windows, fancy radios, etc). So having it will probably help you out in a private sale later on, and (I'm not 100% sure) might boost the trade in value if you sell to a dealer. Most of the major problems with the system (leaking vac lines, stuck hubs) can be avoided by either simply using the system, or doing a couple of small mods.

But I can't lie, I hate my ESOF, and I would kill to have the stick on the floor.

 

Thanks for the info guys!

Now about my replacement seat prices?

 

I assume that you have an XL package, which is why you want to upgrade your seats. Considering that you have a 2008 model, you will probably want to keep an eye out for 2008 or 2009 seats. Any 1999 to present seats will "fit" but the colors may not be a 100% "color" match.

Look at eBay, Craigslist, etc. and expect to pay over $1,000 for both front and rear seats in great condition.

BTW, welcome to FTE!