Esof
New ESOF Reliability
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Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2005
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New ESOF Reliability
Hello, I am considering the Electronic Shift On The Fly 4 x 4 option for my new F350. What kind of luck have current owners had with the reliability of this system versus the old tried and true lever on the floor? The switch seems like it would be pretty handy, but I have also read quite a few posts about the electronic system not engaging when needed. Thank you for any input!
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,646
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From: Milky Way Galaxy
I personally have never had a problem with my ESOF. But I use it often, and that seems to help keep it in good shape. The problems I have heard about are rarely associated with the TC not shifting into gear. Rather it's usually the hubs that don't seem to want to engage. Luckily Ford saw fit to keep the ability to engage them manually. Many people that rely on their 4x4 for serious off-roading or plowing have scrapped the weak Ford OEM hubs and gone with Mile Marker or Warn, so the issue of the ESOF not engaging the hubs becomes a mute point.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,859
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From: USA
The electronics are pretty reliable if not abused,but the vacuum acutated hubs are the downfall. Not reliable ! period !They will fail give them time.
Do a search and see all the post on the subject.
Rich
Do a search and see all the post on the subject.
Rich
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: On top of a big hill...
37K on mine not a problem and I put 'er in 4wd at least twice a week if not more. Ford replaced my hubs under warranty becuase they were hard to turn but the 4wd never failed to engage. I'll never own another with manual engage-been there and did that. Besides, if the auto hubs fail, get out and lock 'em in-just like the guys with manual 4x4.
In my experience when 4x4 fails to work on esof trucks it's the hubs 90% of the time, not the transfer case. My F250 has the auto/manual hubs so as long as the transfer case engages I'm no worse off than the guys with manuals. If my hubs aren't working, I'll flip the dash switch then get out and turn in the hubs. People make too big a deal out of this IMO.
At least even an esof Ford SD is better than a GM with a manual lever. I hear the GM guys doing this same rant but they don't realize their hubs are auto just like an esof setup so of the hubs fail they're still screwed with no way to lock 'em in manually like Ford's esof offers! I think Dodge went to full time engaged front hubs on their 4x4s so they're always locked in-all the esof or lever does is engage the t-case. That's they way I understand it anyways.
In my experience when 4x4 fails to work on esof trucks it's the hubs 90% of the time, not the transfer case. My F250 has the auto/manual hubs so as long as the transfer case engages I'm no worse off than the guys with manuals. If my hubs aren't working, I'll flip the dash switch then get out and turn in the hubs. People make too big a deal out of this IMO.
At least even an esof Ford SD is better than a GM with a manual lever. I hear the GM guys doing this same rant but they don't realize their hubs are auto just like an esof setup so of the hubs fail they're still screwed with no way to lock 'em in manually like Ford's esof offers! I think Dodge went to full time engaged front hubs on their 4x4s so they're always locked in-all the esof or lever does is engage the t-case. That's they way I understand it anyways.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
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I have 60,000 miles on my 04, my auto hubs work great. If you lube the hubs regularly and use them A few times A month you shouldn't have any ploblems. It also helps to be rolling when you engage FWD.
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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I have 145k on my 99 F-250 with esof. The only problem I have had is the hubs staying engaged when the **** is turned to the off position. So I got new hubs at 85k. Pretty sure that was due to the MN salt season.
If you just order 4x4 w/o esof are the hubs still automatic?
If you just order 4x4 w/o esof are the hubs still automatic?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: NE Texas
Originally Posted by mizzitch
If you just order 4x4 w/o esof are the hubs still automatic?
Like posted above - the ESOF is a different animal and has to be treated differently. I have no complaints on my '99 model since I learned how to use the ESOF. Works everytime.
Only drawback is if you ever need Low Range capability in 2 Wheel Drive...not there. Some of us have disabled the vacuum to the hubs just for that purpose, though. Works great.
If you want ESOF get it...if not, don't. If you are doing serious off-roading like EnviroCon stated, then you would need to get the beefy hubs anyway. So far I don't think they make extreme duty Auto/Lock hubs.
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