I'm looking to go in the opposite direction as most. I would like to switch from manual to electronic transfer case. Can anyone tell me what's all needed to do the swap?
2012 F250 SD/CC with 6.7 power stroke.

 

Do you want to change the hubs as well? I know the older trucks came with manual hubs with the manual 4x4. If so you'll need to route a bunch of vacuum lines too and do some sort of programming.

If they are manual hubs, even if you put in an electronic t-case the hubs won't engage automatically.

Personally I'd just stick with the manual. Lock the hubs when you're expecting bad weather/terrain so use can switch to 4x4 when you need. Not sure if you know this or not, but locking the hubs doesn't lock the front differential, it just hooks the front wheels to the front drivetrain. You can drive fine with them locked at 50mph and below. Some people drive with them locked all the time but you do hear of the occasional t-case grenading. You won't have issues turning if with the hubs are locked because if your truck is stock you have an open front differential. You'll only have issues if you have the hubs and the t-case locked.

 

Staying with the manual hubs

 

Basically my question is do I have to change the transfer case or can I just bolt on the electric actuator and then plug in the switch wiring.

 

It requires that the ESOF transfer case (NP273) to be installed in place of the MSOS transfer case (NP271).

Seriously, why would you even contemplate doing this?

 

I guess one could ask the same thing about those who want to go from esof to manual shift.

 

That is easy. A manual system is dependable and has an extremely low failure rate.

If you even think you might need 4WD, lock your hubs before you depart. When you need 4H, just slip the lever back one notch. No stopping, no slowing, no fuss.

Need to back a heavy trailer up a steep hill? Leave your hubs unlocked and put your transfer case in 4L. Can't do that with ESOF.

Want to tow your Super Duty "4 wheel down" behind a large motor home or bus? Just hook it up and put the transfer case in N. Can't do that with ESOF either.

 

I agree with redford. Mechs are just more reliable. That was on my go/no-go list-it had to be manual.
As far as the hubs, I noticed I have the vacuum stem for the hubs on knuckle-capped with a thick rubber plug. So, I guess, in theory it would be possible to do. However, I think you are adding too many layers of complexity to a already reliable system.

 

One thing I will add, the current ESOF is much more reliable than the first generation SD ESOF.

I still am a fan of the manual system, but I would take a newer ESOF truck if everything else I wanted was there.

 

I've had trucks with both and unlike what I read on these pages never had an issue with ESOF system.

That being said I still really prefer my manual case as there is never an issue as it either is or isn't in 4 wheel drive.

 

I haven't had any trouble with the electronic t-cases since my old '89 but I really prefer a good old manual system because it eliminates any chances of not having 4wd due to a faulty electrical part. Plus it's just plane enjoyable(at least to me)to reach down and pull a lever and feel the gears mesh as it goes into 4wd.

I had to order my current truck because I couldn't find one on the lot with a manual case and the other options I wanted.

 

I hope the manual T-case isn't going the way of the manual transmission.

 

I'm confused by the desire to change to esof transfer case as well. You can do no harm to the truck by locking the hubs in and leaving them locked all winter, and just flipping the shifter when you need 4x4. Why add potential failure modes? Doing this on a '12 has got to include a lot of dealership programming and likely a control module swap. Everything on these trucks is controlled by a module somewhere that requires a whole day to just gain access.

 

My 14 was a fleet truck and had a manual transfer case and lock outs on it. My 08 had ESOF. They both had their good points and worked good all the time.

Only time I've had issues with auto locks is my Bronco but they just had issues on those all the time. That's why I went to Mile Marker manuals on it. Left the electric controlled transfer case.