Shift on the fly
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 85
Likes: 8
From: Pennsylvania
Shift on the fly
Hi Folks,
I'm brand new hear so first I'd like to say hello and thanks for having me.
I am currently shopping for a new truck and seriously looking at an F-250. It's been a long time since I looked at trucks this closely (my current truck is '97 and not a Ford). As time goes on I'm sure I will have more questions but for now I'd like details on the shift on the fly feature.
Based on my research the shift on the fly option requires the front hubs with the auto-locking and manual positions vs the standard "lock" and "free" positions on the manual hubs. So here is my question about the shift on the fly system: in a situation where you have to rock the truck to free it from mud do the hubs unlock and then lock again each time the truck changes direction when the hubs are in the automatic position?
The shift on the fly option sounds convenient, but I'm thinking the manual hubs will probably hold up better in the long run. It also makes sense that fuel mileage would be better with the manual hubs since you can completely (I think) disengage the front wheels from the axles and drive line. I would like to hear opinions from folks like you on this board who have way more experience with Ford SDs than I have.
Thanks in advance.
I'm brand new hear so first I'd like to say hello and thanks for having me.
I am currently shopping for a new truck and seriously looking at an F-250. It's been a long time since I looked at trucks this closely (my current truck is '97 and not a Ford). As time goes on I'm sure I will have more questions but for now I'd like details on the shift on the fly feature.
Based on my research the shift on the fly option requires the front hubs with the auto-locking and manual positions vs the standard "lock" and "free" positions on the manual hubs. So here is my question about the shift on the fly system: in a situation where you have to rock the truck to free it from mud do the hubs unlock and then lock again each time the truck changes direction when the hubs are in the automatic position?
The shift on the fly option sounds convenient, but I'm thinking the manual hubs will probably hold up better in the long run. It also makes sense that fuel mileage would be better with the manual hubs since you can completely (I think) disengage the front wheels from the axles and drive line. I would like to hear opinions from folks like you on this board who have way more experience with Ford SDs than I have.
Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 142
Likes: 5
From: Fort Smith, AR
There will be many more who have a wealth of experience and miles on this subject, but I have never had any issue with my on-the-fly 2011 F-150 4x4, my 2015 F-250 or 2016 F-350. Compared to the old days of getting out and locking the hubs, I love the shift on the fly. Maybe it's my age 
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Plant City, FL
All depends on how you plan to use your truck. I took manual hubs and floor shifter. I drive in a lot of thick swamp vegetation. In the past I've had the vacuum lines pulled off by brush. I did like it but then again I lock the hubs and shift into four wheel drive as I need it. About as simple as it gets. And when you shut your truck off you can leave you shifter in 4x4 start the truck and go. With the auto locking hubs they will unlock when truck is turned off as vacuum is what locks them. Not a big deal for most but for me and my uses it was a no go when I bought the new truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
What year truck and what is your primary application?
If the ESOF (electronic shift on the fly) is working properly you activate it via the dash switch which would engage the hubs, when you go from 4-2wd is when the front hubs become free again.
If the ESOF (electronic shift on the fly) is working properly you activate it via the dash switch which would engage the hubs, when you go from 4-2wd is when the front hubs become free again.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 39
From: Boise
In the SD the auto(esof) vs manual is; in auto you move the switch to 4x4 and the tcase electronically engages while hubs vaccume lock. In manual you manually engage the tcase and must get out to lock hubs. If you don't mind locking your hubs, manual will be the more reliable system. Some have trouble with the esof system and if it's a vaccume problem you can go to the hub and manually lock it in. Both systems are the same in 2wd and mpgs are not affected. Neither disengage by rocking the truck once your 4wd is engaged. If I order my next truck it would have the lever.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, Washington
Yep I keep my hubs locked at all times, but I have the floor shift into 4x4 option on my 2005. So when I need 4x4 just lock it in using shifter and away I go. This way I don't need to but also don't mind climbing out of truck first then shift it in. Makes life simpler so if you got that option when you purchase your truck I would recommend it but only because it is the way I do it.
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, Washington
I also don't think the newer trucks have that option do they? Is it not all electronic and vacuum nowadays or something different?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 85
Likes: 8
From: Pennsylvania
To answer Bently's question I'd would go with a 2016 if I pull the trigger. My primary application would be in the winter. I need 4WD to get from my house to the highway and then I typically unlock on the highway. I would prefer the ESOF for convenience, but I was curious about the operation and durability of the automatic hubs.
Thanks for all of the replies.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
From: Plant City, FL
For what you are doing they would last and work just fine. It's a great system truly is. But for me and my application in the swamps in central fl I had issues with the vacuum lines being pulled off from debris now and then.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 412
From: Washington Coast
My 2014 has manual hubs and transfer case. When I'm headed down the hi way it'd be nice to have ESOF but when mines in 4x4 it's in. I've had issues with vacuumed lines and solenoid a so for now that's what I got. Just wish I had the power mirrors and backup camera. I mis those from my 07.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,359
Likes: 250
The ESOF is nice for the fact that you can go from unlocked hubs to 4wf without leaving the vehicle but I prefer the simplicity of a full manual system. If I think I might need 4wd I'll just lock the hubs in before I leave and then shift the transfer case as needed. It might suck a little more fuel and cause some extra wear and tear on the front end but in the long run I think those negatives are worth having a near fool proof system.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, Washington
Yes I got quick question someone said if you have your hubs locked in and drive like that all the time with or without 4x4 engaged it uses more fuel that true?
Mine is 2005 I can lock my hubs from outside but shift it in using floor shifter to engage but I always leave my hubs locked in and only put in 4x4 where it's needed.
This bad?
Mine is 2005 I can lock my hubs from outside but shift it in using floor shifter to engage but I always leave my hubs locked in and only put in 4x4 where it's needed.
This bad?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
It's not a bad thing. It just means a little extra drag as you will now be turning both front axle shafts and the front driveshaft unneccessarily. Most folks say they save 1 mpg by leaving the hubs unlocked. I've never driven around enough with my hubs locked to know what mpg I would get in comparison.