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So, in the new build and price Ford now has up, it shows the ESOF switch with 4A selection on the **** long with 2H, 4H, and 4L. Some speculated that the web designer just used an F150 picture as they indeed have a 4A option but the SD will likely not. However, after some digging, it would appear the pic is indeed from a SD. If you look at the brake controller, it's right under the ESOF switch on the build and price picture.
However, on the 150, the trailer brake controller is much lower and would be out of the frame in that picture. Below, I have a pic of the trailer brake controller on the 150 then the SD. You can see the SD has it's controller higher just like in the build and price picture. I think we have an Easter egg shown on Ford's site here...
It will be interesting to find out if it's available across the SD line or what? It's funny I don't see the 4A on the pre-production trucks that are all over the net but perhaps Ford has been hiding that until now.
I take it 4A is some type of 4wheel "auto-matic"...but what does it do when left in the 4A selection? How different is the ratio as opposed to driving in 4H?? Does it go back and forth depending on conditions/traction? Just curious as this is the first time hearing about a 4A button.
Hey Ken, would likely be a system where it detects wheel slippage and applies torque to wheels with traction. I wonder if this may be something in the F250 gas models only?
4A acts more like the same as 4H, but the transfer case operates like an open center differential to allow the front and rear axles to rotate at different speeds - as opposed to locking them in sync in 4H. This allows it to go around corners on pavement with some slippage to prevent drive train damage. It is not the same as Intelligent 4X4. It uses more fuel than 2H because it's always transmitting torque to both axles. It's like locking and unlocking the rear diff, but on splitting the torque between two axles rather than two wheels. Hope that makes sense.
There is not an option in the order guide. My oredered F250 gas with a manual Tcase surely won't have some new type of Tcase for AWD. I have never seen a solid axle 4WD with an "AWD" function. It would take a new type of transfer case to make this happen. Those pictures are puzzling for sure.
I clearly remember Ford stating the new SD would have a new transfer case...but I highly doubt it has the 4A considering the hubs appear to be the same auto / manual design as before. Would be nice...guess we'll find out. Josh might know.
Thanks! I was pretty proud of myself. LOL. I was thinking about it yesterday (stuck home with a horrendous summer cold...) and in my Mucinex induced stupor I remembered a post from months back. A newbie to the 2017 section was questioning the difference between the new SD cab and the 150 cab. I mentioned the glovebox and shifter and thought that was it. Then someone corrected me and told me that there were two other differences. Upfitter switches and brake controller location. When I looked at the build and price pic again, sure enough the brake controller was in the SD location. Anyways, I did message Josh and ask him if he can confirm this now that it's public and on Ford's own website. Will see what he says.
