Manual T-case vs Shift on fly
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Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Northern Arizona
Manual T-case vs Shift on fly
I can't make up my mind and will be ordering my F-250 soon. I've always had manual T-cases and don't know if I trust the electronics.
Shift on the fly sounds great but I'm concerned about reliability. I'm off-road once per month and sometimes in mud.
Any opinions or history of issues re: Shift on the fly?
Shift on the fly sounds great but I'm concerned about reliability. I'm off-road once per month and sometimes in mud.
Any opinions or history of issues re: Shift on the fly?
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Whitman MASS
Kepler,
In the fords there is not much difference between the two versions of the 4x4. They both use the same transfercase, they are both shift on the fly. The only difference is that the one with the switch uses and electric motor to shift the transfer case into 4x4. The only difference in the 250 is that there are non automatic hubs that can be ordered if i am right.
In my opinion if you want to know that you are in 4x4 get the manual shift with the manual locking hubs. My truck (150 7700) has the shift on the floor and the automatic locking hubs. Some times the front hubs dont engage and i get MAD when i cant even get out of my parking space after a snowstorm.
As for the reliablity of the shift on the fly switch i hear it is pretty reliable.
I dont know if that helped
Brian
In the fords there is not much difference between the two versions of the 4x4. They both use the same transfercase, they are both shift on the fly. The only difference is that the one with the switch uses and electric motor to shift the transfer case into 4x4. The only difference in the 250 is that there are non automatic hubs that can be ordered if i am right.
In my opinion if you want to know that you are in 4x4 get the manual shift with the manual locking hubs. My truck (150 7700) has the shift on the floor and the automatic locking hubs. Some times the front hubs dont engage and i get MAD when i cant even get out of my parking space after a snowstorm.
As for the reliablity of the shift on the fly switch i hear it is pretty reliable.
I dont know if that helped
Brian
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Joined: Apr 2000
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From: NorCal
Yes, both transfer cases are shift on the fly. The manual shift will have LOCK-FREE hubs, which you'll have to get out and lock them. While the electronic shift on the fly will have LOCK-AUTO hubs, which are vacuum actuated hubs, with the lock feature in case the vacuum fails. The manual shift also has the Neutral shift position, which the electric does not. I have the manual shift and have never regretted it. Also, on the ESOF, I've heard you have to excercise the electric shift motor and hubs about once a month to keep things working good.
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2002 F-350 XLT 4x4 PSD 6spd SC SB SRW
2001 400ex SportTrax
Polaris RMK 800 Vertical Edge
1990 F-150 Lariat 4x4 I-6 5spd RC SB
---Also in Family---
2003 F-250 XLT FX4 6.0PSD TSA SC SB
2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 5.4 AT SC SB
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2002 F-350 XLT 4x4 PSD 6spd SC SB SRW
2001 400ex SportTrax
Polaris RMK 800 Vertical Edge
1990 F-150 Lariat 4x4 I-6 5spd RC SB
---Also in Family---
2003 F-250 XLT FX4 6.0PSD TSA SC SB
2001 F-150 XLT 4x4 5.4 AT SC SB
Thread Starter
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Jäger
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Northern Arizona
Originally Posted by cgl
Yes, both transfer cases are shift on the fly. The manual shift will have LOCK-FREE hubs, which you'll have to get out and lock them. While the electronic shift on the fly will have LOCK-AUTO hubs, which are vacuum actuated hubs, with the lock feature in case the vacuum fails. The manual shift also has the Neutral shift position, which the electric does not. I have the manual shift and have never regretted it.
Thanks for the info!
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 208
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From: Under a rock in PA
Originally Posted by cgl
Also, on the ESOF, I've heard you have to excercise the electric shift motor and hubs about once a month to keep things working good.
I have ESOF 4x4 on my 2001 F250 Supercab, i have not had any problems. On a day like today i like having that setup, 90% of the roads were clear and 10% still had snowdrifts to deal with. So when i got to the bad areas, i slowed down and flipped the switch to 4high. When i got out of the mess, i turn it back off. I didn't have to stop and get out to lock the hubs. I also don't get muddy when i get stuck offroad.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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Manual Shift on fly is better. You have a full neutral so you can be towed with all 4 wheels on the road. The "auto" setting on the hubs of ESOF equipped vehicles is famous for not being reliable. I had ESOF on my 00 F350 and my 04 F350 because I bought them off a dealer's lot. After the hubs not going in for me a few times on the 00 I just treated the hubs like a manual system and turned them to "lock" whenever I needed 4x4. I left them locked for weeks at a time, it hurts nothing, your rear drive train turns all the time.
I ordered my 05 and I would have paid extra for good old Manual SOF but it is probably the only bargain left on a new truck........it is absolutey free. Wrenchtraveller.
I ordered my 05 and I would have paid extra for good old Manual SOF but it is probably the only bargain left on a new truck........it is absolutey free. Wrenchtraveller.
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