quick 4x4 question
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Joined: Nov 2008
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quick 4x4 question
In the market for an F-150.
I'm seeing some 4x4 models with dashswitch 4x4 selectors, and others with an actual shifter on the floorboard.
Are there advantages/disadvantages to either design?
Thanks!!!!
I'm seeing some 4x4 models with dashswitch 4x4 selectors, and others with an actual shifter on the floorboard.
Are there advantages/disadvantages to either design?
Thanks!!!!
Tuned
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: Louisville
I have read on a thread here in the past from someone saying that there is actually not much difference in that both styles are electronic shift. Search this forum and see if you can find some threads.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
nope.
dash pushbutton = electric 4x4 shift
floor shifter = manual 4x4 shift (has linkages just like a 4x4 truck 40yrs old does)
floor shifter works 100% of the time. it is just bulky looking and takes up floor space IMO.
electronic shift works 95% of the time. moisture can work its way into the shift motor and corrosion will cause it to freeze up. it happens, but I wouldn't be particularly worried about it happening.
dash pushbutton = electric 4x4 shift
floor shifter = manual 4x4 shift (has linkages just like a 4x4 truck 40yrs old does)
floor shifter works 100% of the time. it is just bulky looking and takes up floor space IMO.
electronic shift works 95% of the time. moisture can work its way into the shift motor and corrosion will cause it to freeze up. it happens, but I wouldn't be particularly worried about it happening.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Not quite. 
The "mechanical linkage" ONLY affects going from 4hi to 4lo. Other than that, the floor shifter will have every single problem the electric switch on the dash will. The "mechanical" floor mounted one STILL relies on an electromagnetic clutch, vacuum actuated IWEs, and a vacuum actuated setup to lock in the front driveshaft at the t-case.
Not much of a difference.
The "mechanical linkage" ONLY affects going from 4hi to 4lo. Other than that, the floor shifter will have every single problem the electric switch on the dash will. The "mechanical" floor mounted one STILL relies on an electromagnetic clutch, vacuum actuated IWEs, and a vacuum actuated setup to lock in the front driveshaft at the t-case.
Not much of a difference.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
The "mechanical linkage" ONLY affects going from 4hi to 4lo. Other than that, the floor shifter will have every single problem the electric switch on the dash will. The "mechanical" floor mounted one STILL relies on an electromagnetic clutch, vacuum actuated IWEs, and a vacuum actuated setup to lock in the front driveshaft at the t-case.
Not much of a difference.
Not much of a difference.
and the OP asked about the shifters. but yeah, from the driveshaft on, these trucks are identical with either shifter
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 1
From: Canton, IL
The electromagnetic clutch in the TC engages when you turn the **** or move the shifter to the 4h position. It smoothly and quickly engages the front drive shaft to bring it up to speed if your moving. then it locks up and acts like a solid link between the TC and the front drive shaft This part is what really enables ESOF. (electronic shift-on-the-fly).
Right after the drive shafts are up to speed, the TC motor shifts and the IWE's (auto hubs) lock up. This all happens very quickly.
Right after the drive shafts are up to speed, the TC motor shifts and the IWE's (auto hubs) lock up. This all happens very quickly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 4
From: Neenah, Wisconsin
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MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,606
Likes: 151
From: SE Georgia
finally got around to verifying the info. thanks for correcting me on that part Crazy.
From the Ford Service Manual:
From the Ford Service Manual:
Four-Wheel Drive Systems
Mechanical Shift
Electronic Shift
Mechanical Shift
The Borg-Warner 44-06 manual shift transfer case is a 3-piece aluminium design. The unit transfers engine power from the transmission to the front and rear axles. Under normal driving conditions, the unit is in 2-wheel drive high (2H), but when desired, the operator may shift into 4-wheel drive high (4H) or 4-wheel drive low (4L). The transfer case is shifted manually. The unit is lubricated by a positive displacement fluid pump that channels fluid flow through holes in the rear output shaft.
Principles of Operation
The mechanical shift on the fly (MSOF) system is a manual shift 4WD system that allows the operator to chose between 2 different 4x4 modes as well as 2-wheel drive and NEUTRAL. The operator can switch between 2WD and 4H mode at speeds up to 88 km/h (55 mph). To engage or disengage 4L range, the vehicle speed must be less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake pedal pressed and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL (or the clutch pedal pressed in manual transmission vehicles).
The transfer case is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch which is located inside the case. This clutch is used to synchronize the front driveline. When the manual shift lever is moved, this activates the mode indicator switch, triggering the 4WD control module (PCM) to energize the electromagnetic clutch. When the transfer case front and rear output shafts are synchronized, the spring loaded lockup collar mechanically engages the mainshaft hub to the drive sprocket. Finally, the front axle integrated wheel ends (IWEs) are engaged and the electromagnetic clutch is deactivated.
Feature Inputs:
Mode indicator switch
Wheel speeds (via CAN communication)
Feature Outputs:
Transfer case synchronization clutch
Integrated wheel end (IWE) vacuum solenoid
4WD mode (via CAN input to PCM)
Cluster Indicators (via CAN communication)
The transfer case is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch which is located inside the case. This clutch is used to synchronize the front driveline. When the manual shift lever is moved, this activates the mode indicator switch, triggering the 4WD control module (PCM) to energize the electromagnetic clutch. When the transfer case front and rear output shafts are synchronized, the spring loaded lockup collar mechanically engages the mainshaft hub to the drive sprocket. Finally, the front axle integrated wheel ends (IWEs) are engaged and the electromagnetic clutch is deactivated.
Feature Inputs:
Mode indicator switch
Wheel speeds (via CAN communication)
Feature Outputs:
Transfer case synchronization clutch
Integrated wheel end (IWE) vacuum solenoid
4WD mode (via CAN input to PCM)
Cluster Indicators (via CAN communication)
Electronic Shift
The Borg-Warner electronic shift transfer case is a 3-piece aluminium design. The unit transfers engine power from the transmission to the front and rear axles. Under normal driving conditions, the unit is in 2-wheel drive high (2H), but when desired, the operator may shift into 4-wheel drive high (4H) or 4-wheel drive low (4L). The transfer case is shifted electronically. The unit is lubricated by a positive displacement fluid pump that channels fluid flow through holes in the rear output shaft.
Principles of Operation
The electronic shift on the fly (ESOF) system is an electronic shift system that allows the operator to choose between 2 different 4-wheel drive modes as well as 2-wheel drive. The operator can switch between 2WD and 4H mode at speeds up to 88 km/h (55 mph). To engage or disengage 4L range, the vehicle speed must be less than 5 km/h (3 mph), the brake pedal pressed and the transmission must be in NEUTRAL (or the clutch pedal pressed in manual transmission vehicles).
The transfer case is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch which is located inside the case. This clutch is used to synchronize the front driveline. When the mode select switch (MSS) on the instrument panel is turned, the 4WD control module (PCM) activates the electromagnetic clutch and powers the transfer case shift motor. When the shift motor reaches the desired position, as determined by the contact plate position inputs to the 4WD control module (PCM), power to the shift motor will be removed. When the transfer case front and rear output shafts are synchronized, the spring loaded lockup collar mechanically engages the mainshaft hub to the drive sprocket. Finally, the front axle integrated wheel ends (IWEs) are engaged and the electromagnetic clutch is deactivated.
Feature Inputs:
Mode select switch (MSS)
Wheel speeds (via CAN communication)
Contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D (grounded when closed, open circuit when open)
Transmission neutral
Brake ON/OFF (BOO)
Feature Outputs:
Transfer case synchronization clutch
Transfer case shift motor relays
Integrated wheel-end (IWE) vacuum solenoid
Instrument cluster indicators (via CAN communication)
4WD mode (via CAN communication to PCM)
The transfer case is equipped with an electromagnetic clutch which is located inside the case. This clutch is used to synchronize the front driveline. When the mode select switch (MSS) on the instrument panel is turned, the 4WD control module (PCM) activates the electromagnetic clutch and powers the transfer case shift motor. When the shift motor reaches the desired position, as determined by the contact plate position inputs to the 4WD control module (PCM), power to the shift motor will be removed. When the transfer case front and rear output shafts are synchronized, the spring loaded lockup collar mechanically engages the mainshaft hub to the drive sprocket. Finally, the front axle integrated wheel ends (IWEs) are engaged and the electromagnetic clutch is deactivated.
Feature Inputs:
Mode select switch (MSS)
Wheel speeds (via CAN communication)
Contact plate position inputs A, B, C, D (grounded when closed, open circuit when open)
Transmission neutral
Brake ON/OFF (BOO)
Feature Outputs:
Transfer case synchronization clutch
Transfer case shift motor relays
Integrated wheel-end (IWE) vacuum solenoid
Instrument cluster indicators (via CAN communication)
4WD mode (via CAN communication to PCM)
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Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Great find, Tylus!
After you asked me to verify, I tried to find the original source I read it from, but I couldn't. I lost my service manual download when I had to reformat
.
Thanks for the follow up!
After you asked me to verify, I tried to find the original source I read it from, but I couldn't. I lost my service manual download when I had to reformat
. Thanks for the follow up!
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