Transfer Case Reliability
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Joined: Sep 2003
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Transfer Case Reliability
I'm looking at a leftover 04 250 with the ESOF system. I was born and raised on manual hubs and t-case. I am leary of the "vacuum hubs." Any input, problems, thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dave...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 7
From: USA
If you were born an raised on manuals ,stay with it!
Yes these things have there problems ,sticking hubs,leaky o-rings not alowing lockup. Also lots of sensors to alow shifting in and out of 2w-4w.shift motor problems .As far as the transfercase itself ,keep the fluid changed way before Ford says to do it and it will last forever.
But if you want the conveince of not getting your boots dirty like all the soccermom drivers now a days ,don't let it stop you from purchasing the truck
Just expect troubles at some point in its life.
Some people love them
Me I have all manual and LOVE IT!
Just my opinion and I've own alot of trucks in my days!
Rich
Yes these things have there problems ,sticking hubs,leaky o-rings not alowing lockup. Also lots of sensors to alow shifting in and out of 2w-4w.shift motor problems .As far as the transfercase itself ,keep the fluid changed way before Ford says to do it and it will last forever.
But if you want the conveince of not getting your boots dirty like all the soccermom drivers now a days ,don't let it stop you from purchasing the truck
Just expect troubles at some point in its life.
Some people love them
Me I have all manual and LOVE IT!
Just my opinion and I've own alot of trucks in my days!
Rich
Last edited by FortyFords; Sep 12, 2004 at 09:43 AM.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 335
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
You can easily convert from ESOF hubs to the familiar Warn Premium, Warn standard or Mile Markers. The ESOF-actuated component of the transfer case is not as prone to vacuum leaks, etc. as the hub system. The transfer case itself is NVG 273 and generally is considered a strong unit
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 423
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From: Cabot, Arkansas
My 2001 with ESOF has worked flawlessly... Originally purchased in Anchorage, Alaska, it worked great in the sub-zero weather and now that I live in the Southeast it works great in the mucky wet heat. 100%, every time.
I've got a friend who owns a GMC with the fail-safe "manual" 4-wheel drive shifter who learned about his system the hard way. When he needed 4x4 and moved the shifter, the solenoid which moved his front hubs into the "locked" position malfunctioned thus rendering him with 2-wheel drive. He had to pull his shiny new truck out with his old 1968 3/4 ton truck.
The hubs on the ESOF system allow you to manually lock them to and take the vacuum system out of the link. However, I'm sure there is still some component which can keep you from getting power to the wheels when needed... Even in Ford's so-called manual setup.
Edmo
I've got a friend who owns a GMC with the fail-safe "manual" 4-wheel drive shifter who learned about his system the hard way. When he needed 4x4 and moved the shifter, the solenoid which moved his front hubs into the "locked" position malfunctioned thus rendering him with 2-wheel drive. He had to pull his shiny new truck out with his old 1968 3/4 ton truck.
The hubs on the ESOF system allow you to manually lock them to and take the vacuum system out of the link. However, I'm sure there is still some component which can keep you from getting power to the wheels when needed... Even in Ford's so-called manual setup.
Edmo
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 223
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From: Breezewood (S.Central) PA
I don't know about the 04's but my 05 with ESOF the hubs have a manual position. They can be locked in and stay locked. Now the transfer case still has the shift solinoid... Can't have everything I guess.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 950
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From: Michigan
how hard would it be to replace the shift motor on the trans case with the linkage and lever to make it manual shift??
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Tuned
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: USA
I've had manual 4wd all my life and never had a complaint about it. If I know I might need 4wd, I just lock the hubs when it is convenient for me to do so and drive with the t-case in 2wd untill I need 4x4, then just shift the lever and I'm there. Personally, I have no desire to fool around with auto hubs or electric shift t-cases. It's no big athletic effort to get out and lock 'em in and reach down and move the lever...
