This will be my SECOND time replacing this. First was under warranty, now again. Two snow storms, two shift motors. The truck gets stuck in 4 low and wont shift out. Anyways, the Ford part is $502.... this one is $110. Would I be stupid to buy this part?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01...spagenameZWDVW

 

Are you sure that fits your truck? It has a GM part number and says it fits an Excursion.

 

I think the GM is a mistake. The YC3Z 7G360-AA is the same as on my Ford estimate.

 

It looks like a Dorman motor. If it is, they work just fine. Dorman are the ones places like Summit Racing sell. You could also just search eBay for Dorman T-case motors.

 

I think you are absolutely right. Thank you very much!

http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

 

Then heck yes, at that price by 2 or 3 for spares.

 

No kidding.

But should these be going like that or do I have bad luck? I use 4WD probably 8 times a year. I don't understand. Last year was a shift motor AND!! the transfer case. Thankfully that was under warranty.

 

You could have some other issue, like a bad connection in the power supply to the motor. Works fine for a brand-new motor, but over time, it heats up the motor, wears it out, and it fails.

My system is over 6 years old and still working great as of today (and I cycled the poor thing about 10 times over the course of a 20 minute trip).

You could have a relay going bad and it's not giving enough power to the motor. Again, brand-new motor, no problem. As soon as it gets a little age, it starts having fits.

--

About that eBay seller:

While their volume is VERY high, there are quite a number of complaints too... I'd be careful... You might want to use Paypal just so you can get your money back if need be (there are times Paypal doesn't work the way you want, either, but it's better than sending a check or money order and having NO recourse).

Or, look for another seller who has the same motor and check out their feedback.

 

I agree about the seller. Good looking out, thanks.

What you said about the motor is interesting. I needed to get out and plow yesterday so I had the dealer put it manually from LOW to 4HIGH. The shop manager said 'the motor is weak'... ?? Wouldn't it just fail if it was bad?

 

Well, I haven't ever taken one apart, so I'm only working on theory, BUT...

When the transfer case won't shift, either because it's just plain hosed, or too much load is on the front driveshaft, the servo will click-click-click trying to shift. Something slips internally (in the servo), so as not to strip the motor or gears, I'd assume.

So, the motor could be perfectly fine, but whatever slips is getting weak, and it can't exert all the motor's force on shifting... if you know what I mean ...

Or, the motor is really just weak and not able to shift.

If the motor is weak, there could be corrosion in a connector somewhere upstream from there causing resistance. Or in the motor relay. Or a ground wire. That resistance will cause the motor to overheat because it can't get the amperage it needs. Which means the motor fries... put in a new one, same thing will happen over time.

All I can say is, have them check out everything upstream from that motor - the relays, fuses, anything that feeds that circuit.

Or, just buy one of the cheap eBay ones, bolt it on and try it.

You could try Napa or some other auto-parts store for an aftermarket one...

When I replaced the intake on my '97 Cougar, there were plenty of aftermarket intakes on eBay. I think I payed $80 more at Napa than I could have gotten it on eBay. No shipping, but had to pay sales tax. Same intake, most likely, but couldn't be sure. And I knew if there was anything wrong with the one from Napa, I could walk in the store, return it, and get my money back immediately. And, open it up and inspect it BEFORE paying for it. So I went with Napa. They actually had it in stock too...

Just checked, Autozone has the Cardone motor (rebuilt) for $209, $39.50 core charge. And, the Dorman (I think NEW) for $189.99!!! I'm sure your local auto parts store can get one...

 

Might be worth picking up the Dorman locally and having the mechanic throw it in on Monday.

Ford $502
Dorman $189

which will I choose? hmm.......

 

From what I have been told, the problem is the plastic gears in the motor are just strong enough to handle the torque required to shift in and out of 4 wheel drive. I'd be curious and take one apart to see what is inside.

 

What's weird is, in the last few years on this site, I've heard of only a handful of people with actual servo problems. Usually it's the wiring, fuses or relays.

 

I have yet to take mine in to have the electrical checked out. I put a replacement motor in but it didn't make a difference. So I returned it for now. I picked it up at O'Reilly's for $125.00 plus core.

You can check the parts house's inventory online, NAPA, O'Reilly's and Checker. I check that first and call the store with the part number. Makes it a little easier....

 

I'm really getting aggravated with this truck's 4WD system. It wasn't the motor... changed both relays... still nothing. The switch is good, now it's onto the module. No more shift on the fly trucks for me.