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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 04:13 PM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by Buliwyf
Yeah,I read that, just never believed it. I remember the ESOF F150's grinding when the vacuum system failed. My previous trucks were XL manuals. So I follow about the same routine with the ESOF on the '17.
The F150's hubs are a completely different design than what's used in a Super Duty. Those require the application of continuous vacuum to keep the hubs unlocked. The Super Duty hubs use a certain vacuum application to engage, and another application of a different pressure to disengage.

I've attached a .pdf file of the system's operation and diagnosis as it applies to an '04. Lots has changed on the '17+ models, but I *think* the 4WD system operates in the same fashion.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by willynilly
i think ford or dana could put their heads together and find a better and more reliable 4x4 system. with vacuum hubs and electric motor on the tcase it just leaves to much room for something to go wrong imo
They did make a more reliable system with the manual shift transfer case and manual locking hubs. I don't think they offer the manual 4x4 on the newer trucks. The general public would rather have something convinent than something reliable.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 07:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 00t444e
They did make a more reliable system with the manual shift transfer case and manual locking hubs. I don't think they offer the manual 4x4 on the newer trucks. The general public would rather have something convinent than something reliable.
It is 2017, ya know. We can have both.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 08:12 PM
  #19  
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I know this doesn't help and I don't say this to be an a** but I never shift into 4wd at anything but 0mph.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 08:14 PM
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Having a vacuum or electronics to engage the hubs and transfer case will never be as reliable as doing it manually. I just lock my hubs before I leave if I think I am going to need 4x4 where I'm going, then I just shift into 4x4 when I need it.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 08:55 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by theboom
I know this doesn't help and I don't say this to be an a** but I never shift into 4wd at anything but 0mph.
+1. I was the same way for a long time. And the "transfer case makes weird noises at 60mph in 4wd" threads are cracking me up. I always get out of 4wd as soon as I can. I never need it past 20mph.

My last truck was all manual. I went with ESOF this time. Try something new. The xfer case motor seems easy to get to. I haven't heard of the ESOF's failing much around here, give or take the hubs, that can be locked.
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by 00t444e
They did make a more reliable system with the manual shift transfer case and manual locking hubs. I don't think they offer the manual 4x4 on the newer trucks. The general public would rather have something convinent than something reliable.

It is a $0 option for 2018 XL Super Duty's.

The general public is to stupid to actually lock in hubs and shift a lever...
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 09:26 PM
  #23  
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I have no worries shifting into/out of 4h at speeds. In both my personal trucks as well works trucks. My 2008 would sometimes make an audible clunk.
I do let off throttle when engaging/disengage, but anywhere between 80-100kmh I do on a daily basis.
My personal opinion is to not have any torque on the drivetrain while shifting...
We don’t all live and drive in ideal conditions where getting in/out of a vehicle on a hwy is safe and/or convenient everytime ya wanna be in 4x4!
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 09:28 PM
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If the road conditions require 4WD, they also require speeds less than 60...
 
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Old Dec 25, 2017 | 09:52 PM
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if a 4x4 system cant be enaged at fairly high speeds then its useless as far as im concearned. ive
had to engage mine at 50mph more times than i can remember
 
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 06:14 AM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by longview1
I have no worries shifting into/out of 4h at speeds. In both my personal trucks as well works trucks. My 2008 would sometimes make an audible clunk.
I do let off throttle when engaging/disengage, but anywhere between 80-100kmh I do on a daily basis.
My personal opinion is to not have any torque on the drivetrain while shifting...
We don’t all live and drive in ideal conditions where getting in/out of a vehicle on a hwy is safe and/or convenient everytime ya wanna be in 4x4!

This



As for those that complain about the whine you have to realize there is a chain in the transfer case spinning really fast right under your seat.
 
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 06:48 AM
  #27  
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Whine

Whining in mine is in-sync with acceleration/deceleration with a metallic type humming. No issue with clunk or loud noises. Different than previous fords. Riding with a ford mechanic this morning to try and pinpoint it.
 
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 07:57 AM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by Buliwyf
+1. I was the same way for a long time. And the "transfer case makes weird noises at 60mph in 4wd" threads are cracking me up. I always get out of 4wd as soon as I can. I never need it past 20mph.
You must not have remembered the part when your physics teacher said "The laws of physics do not apply once you are in four-wheel drive".

There is something about "An object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force", that makes me nervous when people pass me in the snow on the highway.
 
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 09:09 AM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by Devildog95
Whining in mine is in-sync with acceleration/deceleration with a metallic type humming. No issue with clunk or loud noises. Different than previous fords. Riding with a ford mechanic this morning to try and pinpoint it.
You describe mine too, I am curious what the tech says. Thanks
 
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Old Dec 26, 2017 | 10:31 AM
  #30  
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The general public is to stupid to actually lock in hubs and shift a lever...
It has nothing to do with stupidity... it's about convenience for some so why wouldn't a manufacturer not offer it? One might argue there is some laziness mixed in there somewhere as well. I find it ironic that some manufacturers would ask, "Hubs? What are hubs? our system has no hubs."

It's obvious to me, many here have no idea how to use the 4wd system based on the comments that are typed above. I'm now wondering who are the stupid ones...
 
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