Thanks for the informative video. It is great that you were able to enjoy the rest of your trip. You and the female who's voice can be heard when transfer case breaks sounded cool under pressure, no drama, just calmly reacting to a bad situation.

 

True, the section we were on at that moment was not bad and I was glad it happened right there. On the switchbacks though, they were filled with loose gravel and the change in direction really makes you want 4 wheel drive and that low gear.

Cool Under Pressure. I like that... You saw that she opted to get out of the truck when it got down to go or no go. She confessed later that she was scared for me that the truck would break and roll down the hill. I felt kind of bad for her as I knew that wasn't a real probability but we do have to remember that these kinds of things can be stressful for people and it can take the fun out of things. I always try to be proactive about making sure my family feels safe. On the other hand, we've never been permanently stuck when things have gone wrong. Troubleshooting problems and coming up with creative solutions is a great skill in life.

 

Getting ready to pick up our new F350 tomorrow and considering hooking up 5th wheel for a weekend shakedown cruise, of about 500 miles. Do you think that I may have a problem with the transfer case by not following the break in period before towing?

 

No, the break in is for the rear gears and even the need for that is questionable. Epic had a rare failure. Nothing to be concerned about. Hook up and go...

 

Any news? It's been awhile.

 

Exactly as Karl said. Don't even worry about it. Drive it. There a so many more F series running around without a t case issue its not even worth losing any sleep over it.


Sam

 

I dropped the truck off last week before heading to the middle east. I'm making my way back over the pond now and will get an update tomorrow afternoon. I'm not expecting to pick up the truck as the service manager said he'd arrange a loaner truck for me. But I am looking forward to seeing the damaged parts and will take pics or video of whatever I can. Stay tuned.

 

Is there not a shaft under the shift solenoid on the transfer case? My 2002 F250 with ESOF had a 4x4 shift solenoid failure and I was able to get it out of 4 wheel drive by removing the solenoid and shifting the shaft with a wrench. If there is a shaft there you should be able to get a t-case out of 4x4 as long as there isn't internal damage obviously. That may at least help get someone back to pavement.

 

Stopped by the dealer to pickup a loaner and talk to the service writer who is in charge of my truck. He was gone when I was there so i didn't get to talk about the damaged parts. Another writer pitched in and gave me a look at the service order. It showed that they're waiting on about 10 parts including a synchro gear, seals, a pump (which I didn't know is in the t-case) another gear and a couple other things. I didn't see anything about a chain. Maybe there is no chain in the BW transfer case? I was hoping to see the innards but will have to see them at another time.

He did set me up with a nice new F150 though. First time I've driven a 2.7 ecoboost and I'm impressed. The little truck sure does feel small and the steering and suspension is super floaty. I want my F350 back.

See anything missing in this photo?

 

i dont think ford has used gear drive tcase since late 70's. far as i know every truck has used chain drives for alot of years

 

" See anything missing in this photo?"
DIRT, Any road grime ?

 

i feel for you, this is my first truck without a lever for 4wd, and i must say I feel helpless every time i am hopelessly waiting for 4x4 to engage at the turn of a ****, no way to "feel" if something is not engaged or "right", i do not understand, oh well.. progress

AFAIK these t-case's are chain driven with gear reduction low range, not sure of the model #, the old ones were np271???

 

This is my second electronic transfer case and I really miss the satisfaction of knowing the transfer is locked when you can feel the gears engage like with the old manual 4X4 gear shift.

 

I am surprised they aren't just replacing the Tcase, that's what they for me, I wish I knew what failed.

 

LOL! This truck spends most of it's time on pavement for sure but it also wanders off onto gravel roads and the occasional sand wash, sand dune or slick rock. I guess that stuff leaves no trace. No significant mud yet.