The transfer cases have a big Ford logo on them. Maybe Ford built them under license.

 

I've used 2wd Lo in other trucks to move heavy trailers/boats on hard surfaces. As long as you understand that you can seriously do some damage, and don't become a throttle jockey in 2LO, you shouldn't ever have an issue.

Has anyone crawled under their 2017 4x4 SD to see what numbers are on the TC's? Are the 2017 trucks using a 271/273 or a completely different unit? Seems like the 2017 has a few mysterious parts on it!

 

The transfer case for 2017 is definitely a new unit and unrelated to the old 271/273.

The workshop manual (thanks Habemus Quattro) indicates the ESOF now has an electronic clutch which allows smooth synchronization between the front axle which is not up to speed and the rear axle which is. It appears the hub design has changed from a pulse vacuum to a constant vacuum design.

The manual shift design still uses the new transfer case, but does not have the clutch. It still uses the same principles as the old case, meaning (despite warning against doing so) you can still shift on the fly when the hubs are already locked and the front and rear wheels are turning at the same rate. One noticeable difference is the floor shift lever is new, and uses a straight line pattern versus the old dog-leg pattern used forever. It also appears the manual floor shift uses a shift cable, much like the transmission shift cable, to change between 2H, 4H, 4L. The old design used a lever.

I think the electronic clutch design of the ESOF case is very interesting because 4x4 is engaged at least initially with a clutch...much like the "auto" position of the F-150 system. The manual then states once 4x4 is engaged, a mechanical "collar" slides into position, locking the two axles together and making the clutch irrelevant.

One last thing of interest on the new t-case. The electronic version apparently takes information from the steering angle sensor and uses it in some manner. It does not explain how, but perhaps it prevents a 4x4 shift when the wheels are turned sharply?

 

Question for the manual hub guys. This is my first manual system, when driving with the hubs locked do you get clicking when turning? This never happened with my auto system trucks when the hubs were locked.

 

I don't have a 2017 with the manual system, but my previous trucks with the hubs locked but still in 2WD would bind ever so slightly on full-lock turns. It would sound like a slight clicking. The auto hubs are not engaged when you are in 2WD, so the U-joint does not turn like it does with the manual system. In 4x4, it does the same thing, but you never notice.

 

Thanks. Just a slight ticking and a small jump in the steering wheel. I'm sure it's designed to work this way so I won't sweat it.

 

You really should only feel it when making a very sharp turn. Otherwise, try unlock the hubs, taking a short drive, then re-locking them...making sure they are fully locked (turned until they stop).

 

Yep. Only when turning into parking spots or something similar. Doesn't happen with straight line driving, following curves in the road,etc.

 

troverman
Both my 2017 manual shifts still have the dog leg pattern for N & 4L . But they do shift by a cable now.
Excuse the dog hair I have 2 Border Collies.

 

Great info, thanks!

 

You are correct...thanks! The housing and lever is new anyway!