4x4 Shift on the fly question
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
4x4 Shift on the fly question
I will be ordering my new truck soon: F250 V10 4X4 CC LB MS 430LS and was wondering if I really need the [shift on fly] option - I'm trying to keep the price down - so - if pushing a button instead of shifting a lever is the only difference - I can do without it - I'm also canceling a bunch of other options that I really don't need - knocking off another $2000 for that ! - Thanks for your help.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 293
Likes: 0
From: IN
The manual transfer case is shift on the fly as long as you have the hubs locked in. Personally, I know too many peoplewho have had too many problems with the electronic transfer cases for me to recommend spending the money on it. If you can't be a man and get out and lock the hubs, buy a H2. 
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 671
Likes: 4
From: Elkhart USA
the manual is better as far as less probs, but unless you leave your hubs locked in it 's a pain . i have had the shift on the fly in my explorer's and trucks since 1994 and never had a prob knock on wood.
Tony
Tony
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
As others have said, go with the manual t-case and manual hubs - it's far more reliable. I bought my '04 F250 off the lot, and it came with the electronic system...and it doesn't work very well at all. While it *usually* goes into 4wd (sometimes with a loud thunk that shakes the truck), sometimes it seems to refuse to go back into 2wd again - and to get it out of 4wd I have to stop and back up while turning back and forth (sometimes I have to repeat this several times). The manual says that you don't have to back up, but that it 'helps' it come out of 4wd...but in my truck's case, if you don't back up it won't come out, and even when you do back up it sometimes still doesn't come out.
This is the first truck I've had with ESOF - and so far I'm not impressed. With my trucks with manual hubs, I just left them locked in all winter...which worked better, and was a heck of a lot more reliable.
LK
This is the first truck I've had with ESOF - and so far I'm not impressed. With my trucks with manual hubs, I just left them locked in all winter...which worked better, and was a heck of a lot more reliable.
LK
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
This is a matter of opinion. The ESOF is designed to work as effeciently as the manual shift, but, as with all components that rely on electronics, it can have unique problems.
My opinion: I like the ESOF - alot. I have a theory, but so far, have not had the feedback I would have expected from others who have the ESOF. I believe that the PCM needs to "learn" how to initialize/energize the system. At first I was disappointed with the setup, but after going through a little hands-on training, realized that the ESOF needed to be energized occasionally in order to work properly. Now, every time I turn the switch, the system reacts, promptly. No hassle.
My opinion: I like the ESOF - alot. I have a theory, but so far, have not had the feedback I would have expected from others who have the ESOF. I believe that the PCM needs to "learn" how to initialize/energize the system. At first I was disappointed with the setup, but after going through a little hands-on training, realized that the ESOF needed to be energized occasionally in order to work properly. Now, every time I turn the switch, the system reacts, promptly. No hassle.
Trending Topics
5th Wheeling
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 38
Likes: 2
From: North Plains, Oregon
The Fords have a hub set-up that is in auto mode always and then you can still get out of the truck and manually lock in the hubs. I have had several auto lock Fords and they always have worked well. Seems to me with the new style hub, I have the best of both worlds.
Bill.
Bill.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally posted by Big Orn
I believe that the PCM needs to "learn" how to initialize/energize the system. At first I was disappointed with the setup, but after going through a little hands-on training, realized that the ESOF needed to be energized occasionally in order to work properly. Now, every time I turn the switch, the system reacts, promptly. No hassle.
I believe that the PCM needs to "learn" how to initialize/energize the system. At first I was disappointed with the setup, but after going through a little hands-on training, realized that the ESOF needed to be energized occasionally in order to work properly. Now, every time I turn the switch, the system reacts, promptly. No hassle.
The thing that bugs me is that the '4wd' light goes out right away when I put it in 2wd, but in reality it's still in 4wd - I think it's shifted out, and then I go out on the road and when I try to make a sharp turn it binds up because it's still in 4wd (sometimes several miles from where I put it in 2wd). At the very least it'd be nice if the light stayed on until I was *really* out of 4wd...then I'd know how far I had to back up to get it to come out. As it is, I usually back up until I feel it should have come out, and then nail the gas to see if only the rears spin or all four spin - if only the rears spin, then I know I'm really in 2wd.
LK
New User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
[QUOTE]Originally posted by EV2DEMON
[B]The manual transfer case is shift on the fly as long as you have the hubs locked in.
I don't think that is true... shift on the fly means (up to an allowed speed) you can shift while driving, into 4WD. I don't think you can do that with manuals, even with the hubs locked in, at say, 45mph...
[B]The manual transfer case is shift on the fly as long as you have the hubs locked in.
I don't think that is true... shift on the fly means (up to an allowed speed) you can shift while driving, into 4WD. I don't think you can do that with manuals, even with the hubs locked in, at say, 45mph...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 5,643
Likes: 8
From: NE Texas
Originally posted by LK
I was wondering about this - if it would get better with time. So far I've got about 5,000 miles on my '04, and have probably had it into 4wd perhaps 50 times - I usually have it in once a day or so, when I'm out in the pasture dropping off hay or hauling manure (especially with snow on the ground). I think it's gotten a bit better about going into 4wd, but it still doesn't want to go back into 2wd again.
The thing that bugs me is that the '4wd' light goes out right away when I put it in 2wd, but in reality it's still in 4wd - I think it's shifted out, and then I go out on the road and when I try to make a sharp turn it binds up because it's still in 4wd (sometimes several miles from where I put it in 2wd). At the very least it'd be nice if the light stayed on until I was *really* out of 4wd...then I'd know how far I had to back up to get it to come out. As it is, I usually back up until I feel it should have come out, and then nail the gas to see if only the rears spin or all four spin - if only the rears spin, then I know I'm really in 2wd.
LK
I was wondering about this - if it would get better with time. So far I've got about 5,000 miles on my '04, and have probably had it into 4wd perhaps 50 times - I usually have it in once a day or so, when I'm out in the pasture dropping off hay or hauling manure (especially with snow on the ground). I think it's gotten a bit better about going into 4wd, but it still doesn't want to go back into 2wd again.
The thing that bugs me is that the '4wd' light goes out right away when I put it in 2wd, but in reality it's still in 4wd - I think it's shifted out, and then I go out on the road and when I try to make a sharp turn it binds up because it's still in 4wd (sometimes several miles from where I put it in 2wd). At the very least it'd be nice if the light stayed on until I was *really* out of 4wd...then I'd know how far I had to back up to get it to come out. As it is, I usually back up until I feel it should have come out, and then nail the gas to see if only the rears spin or all four spin - if only the rears spin, then I know I'm really in 2wd.
LK
I haven't had this problem. My problem was switching the transfer case - the light would remain "on" or "off", nothing would happen. I have seen a few posts here where people have had that problem (hubs remained locked after disengaging). You might try a search?
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
ok I am confused... I have the manul 4wd and the manual hubs.. I can leave the hubs in the locked position and just put it into and out of 4wd without adjust the hubs.
It doesnt do anything to the hubs to have them in the locked position all winter?
It doesnt do anything to the hubs to have them in the locked position all winter?
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Originally posted by Big Orn
This could be the hubs, LK. When the light goes out the transfer case is disengaged, but maybe the hubs are still locked, giving you the impression (or feel) that it is still in 4WD.
I haven't had this problem. My problem was switching the transfer case - the light would remain "on" or "off", nothing would happen. I have seen a few posts here where people have had that problem (hubs remained locked after disengaging). You might try a search?
This could be the hubs, LK. When the light goes out the transfer case is disengaged, but maybe the hubs are still locked, giving you the impression (or feel) that it is still in 4WD.
I haven't had this problem. My problem was switching the transfer case - the light would remain "on" or "off", nothing would happen. I have seen a few posts here where people have had that problem (hubs remained locked after disengaging). You might try a search?
Also, when I have the hubs in the 'lock' position it still occasionally refuses to come out of 4wd - which I think points to the t-case, or perhaps to the switch in the dash.
I'm not sure exactly what's going on - I'm really far more familiar with the old manual-hub systems, and haven't really looked into the mechanicals of the ESOF system.
LK