Manual vs. Electric Hubs trying to understand.
 

I have my 2004 PSD CC 4x4. I was wondering about my 4x4 operation procedure. The truck has the 3-way switch on my dash for 4x4 operation and this makes my 4x4 work without even having engaged my manual hubs on the front wheels. I guess I am confused because if you have an electric switch that does this, why did my truck need manual hubs also? I am used to only having manual hubs and a manual floor shift in a truck, so this electronic stuff is different to me. Let me know. Thanks.

I think your hubs have two positions, one is for auto operation and the other for locked. If they are in auto they will engage when the switch is moved on the dash. If you want them in all the time, then you use the lock setting on the hubs themselves.

Hope this makes sense.

Frank

You have esof(shift on the fly).
They electric stuff controls a vacuum ,that locks the hubs when in the auto position .
In Fords wisdom that knowing eventually the hub seals or the vacuum won't work they gave you a overiding way of getting the hubs to work.
Some people will tell you that the manual hub is there because if your already stuck. in a snow bank or ditch.You need to have movement to alow the system to shift into 4wh.If that is the case then you get out and lock the hubs.
ESOF can be a bad thing or a good thing depends on when it works .
I have had few trucks with it didn't like so I went back to all manual.
If you read alot of post on here you begin to understand its pros and cons.
Rich

I guess I just wish that I had a manual floor shifter instead of this electronic stuff. That's all. Thanks for the help guys.

That is what I have and no more than I use the 4X4, that is the way I like it nice and simple. :)

Frank

I wonder if I could have the dealer put in a floor shifter for me, or is it even worth it?

The transfer case is a different model for ESOF vs. manual. You'd need to change the transfer case too... ;)

Ditto on everything everyone else said.

First, there are no electric hubs:) Ford SuperDuty's with ESOF (Electronic Shift On the Fly) have vacuum actuated hubs. When you twist the switch on the dash a servo motor moves the shift fork inside the transfer case and makes a switch at the end of travel sending a signal to the CPU which lights dash light. At the same time a solenoid switches vacuum to the hubs locking them up and putting you into 4x4. The transfer case and hubs are two seperate, unconnected systems controlled by the same switch. As long as the factory stock auto hubs are working correctly, there is no need to switch them to "Lock" when engaging four wheel drive, the engine vacuum does that.

The manual feature of the factory Auto hubs (turning the selector to "Lock)is an override feature that no other automaker (to my knowledge) gives you. It's there as a convienence in case of a leaking vacuum hose, leaking seal, etc. If and when you switch to aftermarket manual hubs (like I did), then the hubs do have to be locked in order to have four wheel drive when the dash switch is actuated.
As far as switching to a manual T-case, you may have to switch transfer cases. My service manual is in another location;) It would almost certainly be expensive and potentially damage resale value.

concur
 

manual 4X4 with the stick on the floor is the only way to go..

One thing on this:

The "lock" vacuum pulse is only 20 seconds long. If the hubs don't rotate enough to lock up inside that 20 seconds, NO GO.

That means if you're not moving, ESOF may not lock the hubs. So, if you are sitting still and want to get into 4x4, get out and lock the hubs.

FYI, the "unlock" pulse is 5 seconds.

I've noticed that my left steer axle wheel is starting to grind when slowing down to a stop and then at the last minute a loud clunk is heard and everthing is fine could this be the hub seals worn out and not holding a vacuum?