Ford doing away with core options
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 682
Likes: 94
Don't panic. FWIW - For 35 career years, I was a member of SEMA, AWDA, SAE, and CFS, and was actively involved in the industries legislative efforts on behalf of the aftermarket. Automakers have proposed and lobbied for legislative exclusivity for their "proprietary" technology in earnest since 1973, when the first electronic ignition systems were introduced industry wide (replacing points and condensers) The goal of automakers (and commercial vehicle manufacturers) has been "closed hood" "exclusive access" legislation to protect their technology. Aftermarket industry coalitions have been very successful in limiting the manufactures reach, but, technology is redefining what is "proprietary". Not likely accessories will ever come under that umbrella, but having been to Washington and met with legislators, trust me, they don't see an "automotive enthusiast" the same way we do. Were it not for the tens of $ billions spent over the past 4 decades by consumers, and millions spent lobbying on behalf of those consumers, the aftermarket landscape might not look the way it does today, (which is no where near as "free wheeling" as it was 30 to 40 years ago). The aftermarket is alive and well. It is, and will, continue to meet the challenges introduced by the EPA and automakers.
I would also say that though historically the legislation has been stopped multiple times they are like parasites that never stop their encroachment.
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,343
Likes: 4,368
From: SW VA
2007 was hte last year you could order a manual transmission in an SD. I wish I had ordered my 2005 but couldn.t wait, so bought off hte lot. My 2017 still has a transmission dipstick and drain plug, and a CD player thats never been used except to check a CD goes in and comes out. In 2032 when the boss says I can get a new truck, Ill probably just get a spaceship.
mhoefer
mhoefer
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 695
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 695
I keep mine for 10 years, always worked, so.....maybe you have to keep the truck longer than 10 years before it stops working.
Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 918
From: Home Base Nebraska
Denny
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Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 129
From: Missouri
Interesting as I knew that first Gen tech had issues, but I just spoke to one of the largest axle repair and aftermarket locker installers in the area and I asked about the reliability of the E-lockers and auto locking hubs. Their response is the Eaton E-lockers have been highly reliable and they rarely see anyone with issues and same goes for the auto locking hubs. Will be putting a Truetrac in the front soon as I get the truck so curious where your comment is coming from?
The Ford vacuum systems are very complicated and 100% designed to fail. To repair the seals on the axle and spindle you have to pull the axle shaft out and use a special driver to push in the new seal. And they're expensive.
Here's a great video.
If you prefer designed to fail seals and vacuums hoses, that's great. I like having a manual lever and a manual hub.
New User
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
It deeply saddens me to see how few people know how to drive a manual transmission these days. I'm 26 and am certain that less than 5% of people my age know how. You can't explain to somebody why removing manual-locking hubs is a terrible idea. You either understand or you enjoy driving to the dealership with your starbucks and iPhone to pay somebody else to work on your vehicle.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,358
Likes: 250
I hate the ESOF system (I'm old school) but last I checked the auto hubs still have a manual override.
I've had a few electric transfer case trucks over the years and the problems I've always had were with the font axle engagement and not the transfer case.
I've had a few electric transfer case trucks over the years and the problems I've always had were with the font axle engagement and not the transfer case.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 899
Likes: 328
Many automatic transmissions these days don't have mechanical linkages and haven't for some time. No widespread known issues in that regard, either. I also have a 99 Sierra with the push button 4WD and Auto 4WD. Everything still works as it did 21, almost 22, years ago. Like many other vehicle issues, it's not widespread, but it is a PITA when something fails when you need it most, such as an A/C crapping out in July or August.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 515
From: WNY
It deeply saddens me to see how few people know how to drive a manual transmission these days. I'm 26 and am certain that less than 5% of people my age know how. You can't explain to somebody why removing manual-locking hubs is a terrible idea. You either understand or you enjoy driving to the dealership with your starbucks and iPhone to pay somebody else to work on your vehicle.
The plain truth is that learning to drive a manual transmission is outdated and totally unnecessary today. We will never go back there.
What is sad is that the younger gen won’t get that same drive control experience as we did.
I drove semi in my 20’s and still drive from time to time for my own purposes, and the most fun to have is the sound and feel of shifting through the gears.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 515
From: WNY
This may be true, but systemic failure is another form of fear mongering for those who are looking for a reason to hate anything younger and slightly more complicated than a Modet T.
Having said that, my 08’ never failed in the 7 years of ownership, and my GMC is currently on its 6th trouble free year.
I believe Ram and GM did away with them years ago for the same reason..auto hubs are reliable..
Having said that, my 08’ never failed in the 7 years of ownership, and my GMC is currently on its 6th trouble free year.
I believe Ram and GM did away with them years ago for the same reason..auto hubs are reliable..
Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 52
Likes: 7
Don't joke, the reason I own a 100k rig is because the damn horses ride in the back now instead of pulling my *** like they used to 100 years ago :P