Electronic Transfer Case ??
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Chester Springs, PA
Electronic Transfer Case ??
I am looking at a 99' F250 4X4 Off Road that has the switch for engaging the 4X4. What do you guys think? The truck has low miles but I am nervous about the electronic 4X4.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
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From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
The ESOF is not as complicated and potentially problematic as many electronic TC's. It is the same basic transfer case (NP241=manual, NP243-ESOF) with an electric motor replacing the lever to move and select the gears. I'd guess at least 80% of SD's got the ESOF.
It adds the switch, motor, a few more parts in the synchronizer mechanism, and vacuum actuators for the front hubs. Biggest problems arise with loss of vacuum to the hubs, but repairs are pretty simple. Many love the convenience.
The only real negatives are the loss of TC neutral, and it's more cumbersome to select 2Lo. And unless you tow your truck, or use your truck to back heavy loads, even those negatives won't bother you.
Myself, I do move heavy loads, the convinience to simply engage 2Lo on pavement is preferred over simplicity in locking hubs so I prefer the full manual TC. If I'm expecting to need 4wd, I lock hubs in advance. It takes a little throttle coordination, but the manual TC can be shifted in and out on the fly - even at high speeds. There's only been 2 times I've had to stop at an unplanned time to get out and lock hubs. I use 2Lo every time I back my trailer up a hill.
It adds the switch, motor, a few more parts in the synchronizer mechanism, and vacuum actuators for the front hubs. Biggest problems arise with loss of vacuum to the hubs, but repairs are pretty simple. Many love the convenience.
The only real negatives are the loss of TC neutral, and it's more cumbersome to select 2Lo. And unless you tow your truck, or use your truck to back heavy loads, even those negatives won't bother you.
Myself, I do move heavy loads, the convinience to simply engage 2Lo on pavement is preferred over simplicity in locking hubs so I prefer the full manual TC. If I'm expecting to need 4wd, I lock hubs in advance. It takes a little throttle coordination, but the manual TC can be shifted in and out on the fly - even at high speeds. There's only been 2 times I've had to stop at an unplanned time to get out and lock hubs. I use 2Lo every time I back my trailer up a hill.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
I think there is quite a bit more of a difference between t-cases than the motor. There is a mechanism that accelerates the driveshaft and front axle to road speed before the signal is sent to lock the front hubs. This is identical in function to most other types of electronic 4WD with the exception of the hubs in some cases. In fact many use a center disconnect thats simpler in function than two lockout hubs.
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