Figuring my stolen truck is not coming back - I have been looking for a replacement, so I can be ready when ins pays out. One thing I have noticed is that some truck 03-07 6.0L 4x4's have a shift lever on the floor for the 2h 4h 4l. Never heard about this on this forum before, is this "normal" if so any known issues to look for when I go and test drive them?

 

Lariats have the electronic vacuum operated 4x4. Electric motor on the transfer case and an electric vacuum pump that pulses vacuum to the selectable auto/manual hubs to lock them in. Issues with vacuum leaks at the hoses, hubs, or seals are common. Also the motors or wiring can fail leaving you with no 4x4.
XLT, like my truck, is good ol mechanical lever on the floor and manual locking hubs. I prefer the manual myself. The lever could become rusted and difficult to move but I've only seen this once on a truck that sat alot.

 

Not all XLT's have the floor shifter.

Mine is a 2005 XLT and it has the vacuum operated (dash switch).

Must have been an option on the XLT's.

 

Go with the floor shifter for 4x4 you will never be stuck because you cant get the tires to rotate 1.5 times to lock in hubs. My hubs get locked all winter and when things get slippery I just pull her in 4wh.

 

The auto hubs can be turned to lock the hubs. Then just flip the switch, transfer case engages

 

My Lariat also has the manual 4X4 and I lock my hubs as soon as the snow flies and unlock them about the middle of April. I like the reliability of the manual system, there is very little to go wrong, it just always works.

 

You hope! Until a relay, wiring, plug, or motor go bad.