PUSH BUTTON 4wd vs. FLOOR SHIFTER
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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PUSH BUTTON 4wd vs. FLOOR SHIFTER
Just curious about something...
Should the push button 4wd or floor shifter
be a consideration when buying a bronco?
If so, why?
Elaborate please...
Thanks in advance
Should the push button 4wd or floor shifter
be a consideration when buying a bronco?
If so, why?
Elaborate please...
Thanks in advance
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 52
From: Wheatland, Mo
Floor shifter is better..depending on what you are looking for...if you want convienience and "comfort features", the go with push button..BUT..there is a servo motor that attaches to your t-case that kicks it in and out of 4x4 that has been known to be a problem. Sometimes it can be removed, cleaned and reinstalled, and other times it has to be replaced.
Floor shifter...you know when you are in and when you are out. No motor or light to go out leaving you guessing or possibly stuck if a little servo motor goes out, but not as fancy as the push button.
Floor shifter...you know when you are in and when you are out. No motor or light to go out leaving you guessing or possibly stuck if a little servo motor goes out, but not as fancy as the push button.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,526
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From: Round Rock, TX
I prefer the floor shifter myself, but if the pushbutton motor gives you trouble, it's VERY easy to disassemble and fix. I spent 20 or 30 minutes doing mine last month and it was a snap.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 337
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ABSO-FREAKIN-LUTELY!!
Do a search on here for "transfer case motor problem" when it returns about a thousand hits, you will see why. Applying 3 pounds of force to a lever with your right arm when you want to go into 4x4 and 3 pounds of force when you want to come out of 4x4 will be a tiny inconvenience (like moving a lever is SOOO hard anyway) compared to goofing around with that electric motor every couple of months. You'll have plenty else to fix without having to worry about an electric motor and a bunch of wires perfectly positioned to catch every bit of salt, sand, water, dirt, and mud that can possibly be thrown under the truck.
Do a search on here for "transfer case motor problem" when it returns about a thousand hits, you will see why. Applying 3 pounds of force to a lever with your right arm when you want to go into 4x4 and 3 pounds of force when you want to come out of 4x4 will be a tiny inconvenience (like moving a lever is SOOO hard anyway) compared to goofing around with that electric motor every couple of months. You'll have plenty else to fix without having to worry about an electric motor and a bunch of wires perfectly positioned to catch every bit of salt, sand, water, dirt, and mud that can possibly be thrown under the truck.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 439
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From: Temecula
I have the push button, had no problems, but hardly use it, yeah you heard me right!! But the only disadvantage I can think of with the floor shifter is it being in the way, thats it! I definitely agree with the knowledge of it being in or out of 4X, that would be convenient!
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 258
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From: Lake Stevens, WA
I have a 92 E.B with 221,000 with push button and have never had any problems with it. Not to say that is the norm, just my situation. I personally prefer a floor shift, like the 96 I just bought, but if it is an otherwise excellent truck and at a great price, I would not let that one item alone keep you from buying the ronco unless you are buying it only for hard off road use. The auto hubs, however are about as faithful as Bill Clinton and must go!!
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 19
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From: Phoenix area
I've never had the push button to compare to but the lever on the floor works just fine I can't imagine what you'd do with that space if it wasn't there (but then my dog get's the passenger seat).
My brother has the botton and hasn't ever had a problem and he does "off-road" quite a bit..
My brother has the botton and hasn't ever had a problem and he does "off-road" quite a bit..
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Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Jan 2004
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Thanks a lot guys!!
I just bought my first bronco, a 94 with 155000 miles on it.
I've been impressed so far, and thinking about finding a 96 with low low miles. I need to find my perfect bronco or my girlfriend will kill me if I keep buying and selling broncos.
Last question:
How much better is the 5.8 V8?
I have a 5.0 in my 94, and I found a gorgeous 96, but it too
comes with a 5.0. How much of a difference is there?
I just bought my first bronco, a 94 with 155000 miles on it.
I've been impressed so far, and thinking about finding a 96 with low low miles. I need to find my perfect bronco or my girlfriend will kill me if I keep buying and selling broncos.
Last question:
How much better is the 5.8 V8?
I have a 5.0 in my 94, and I found a gorgeous 96, but it too
comes with a 5.0. How much of a difference is there?
New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix area
I like the 5.0 and specifically decided not to go with the 5.8 just because it didn't seem to have enough upside for the loss in mileage. I see a lot of guys in here have the 5.8's so you'll likely get both sides of this coin. I've done a lot of towing and sand crawling (nearly flat 33's) and although there is always room for improvement my 5.0 hasn't failed me.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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When it comes to the engine, Ford tweaked the numbers of both the 5.0 and 5.8 throughout their life. In some years the difference between the two is barely 6-7 HP and 25-30 Lb Ft torque. I'm sure there will be plenty of debate, but if I had it to do over again, and knowing I would use the truck for 80% daily driving, 15% offroad, and 5% towing, I'd probably go with the 5.0 and a few bolt on's. If you are considering this for a weekend only rig, the 5.8 won't make much difference. I finally had to remove my 5.8 from daily driver service because (10MPG X $1.80/gal X 400mi/week) = Expen$$ive. I know others claim better mileage, I don't know where it goes with my truck, but tune-up after tune-up, that is what it gets.
New User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 19
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Do not get a pushbutton, all I have had was trouble with mine, DO NOT GET ONE. Get one with a floorshift, they do not get in the way much and you know whether your in 4wd or not. A lot less matainence, a lot less hassle, get the floorshift.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,028
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From: Panama City, Fl
Got a '95 EB Bronco with the floor shift and an '01 F150 with the electric shift. (Both automatic transmissions) No problems with either. I do like the option of neutral in the floor shift but no problems to speak of. The Bronco has a 351 and gets 14 - 15 mpg on a regular basis. It has 123,000 miles on it. Basically, get what you like, use it and maintain it. That will make a big difference.