Hello,

I recently bought a used '99 f150 4x4 w/ the small handle in the middle of the floor console for switching into 4 wheel high/low. I was wondering what the difference is with this type and with the electronic type mounted on the dash. Does it engage electronically vs. manually? Is one better than the other or does one last longer? Thanks.

McBride

 

I don't know the exact differences, but I believe the switch operated one is both electronic and vaccum operated. The switch actives and actuator that then uses vaccum to engage the hubs. I prefer the manual lever myself, but I doubt the electronic/vaccum operated hubs are too bad.

 

I think that because the manual lever is simpler it is probably a bit more reliable, there are less things to go wrong.
For this same reason some guys prefer manual hubs over automatic.

 

F150 does not have hubs it has a Central Axle Dissconnect.

 

I have had both and there is not much difference between the two. The ESOF adds a motor to the top of the Tcase to engage 4wd. There are not any hubs to engage on these trucks, so there are not any other differences except that the manual can be towed with the wheels on the ground. Whereas the ESOF can not be towed with the wheels on the ground, because the Tcase can not be put into neutral.

Joe

 

I love my electic T-case. No grinding and no getting out in the mud to mess with hubs. I have a 99 w/6inch lift and 35's and she goes into 4wd right when I hit the switch.

 

I have to say, I like the electronic switch 4WD. No messing with hubs is a good thing.

 

You don't actually have hubs that lock or unlock like the Pre-97s do. Here's the short version of the difference between the manual and electronic transfer cases on the 97-up 4x4s: with the manual transfer case, the driver physically engages the gear that locks the front and rear driveshafts together. In the electronic version, an electric motor engages the gear. That's it. Everything else in the process is controlled by the GEM module in BOTH cases. Synchronization of the output shaft speeds, illumination of the dash lights, and engagement of the Center-Axle Disconnect is all controlled by the GEM module regardless of manual or electronic shifting.

No advantage to the Manual shifter except for there being one less motor to burn out or freeze up on the truck.

And a sharp 4-wheeler will know his 4x4 system and how to rig it to force it in and out of 4 wheel drive as needed. A simple vacuum hose swap can force it to disengage if it's stuck in, but it takes a whole lot more to get it in if it's stuck out.

Just my 2 cents.

-Joe

Personally, since everything else is the same, I prefer the convenience of the ****.

 

i have the manual shift lever also. got a manual tranny to.

i know at least two folks (one chevy, one ford) who both couldnt get into 4wd recently do to problems with the electronic switching system.

it has a fuse that can go, a motor, and i though some sort of relay (solenoid or vacuum switch).

i like keeping it simple, just less stuff to break.

 

The 4x4 shifter on the floor is vastly superior to the button because you can hang a trash bag on it!

 

I hang a hat on my shift lever!

But seriously, I prefer the manual lever. Like what has been said before, less things to go wrong.

I used to own a '99 Super Duty. Mine was one of the first one's of the new style in the area, (I got it in March '98). It had the electronic shift 4x4 system and I had all kinds of problems with it shifting into 4x4 LOW all by itself. Luckily it only did it at startup and not driving down the road. Ford had an issue with the GEM (General Electronics Module) in those early ones wanting to that.

My 2 trucks after that have both had the manual shift.

 

I've always been partial to whatever is the simpler system. The only difference between the two systems is what actuates the center lock. I kind of like being able to move the thing myself and have some feel for what's going on - or not going on. It's also one less motor not to work when it gets cold. (My arm still works when it gets cold.)

 

There is another advantage to the lever. That is it has a neutral position. With this your vehicle can be towed if needed (hopefully not). With the electronic switch, you must be flat bed hauled.

 

My 02 electronic shift is in the shop as I write this because it will not go into 4X4.

The funny thing is that it works fine on start up but after the truck is warmed up it will not work.

 

Bumpkin1,

Did you get a final solution to your problem? Do you know what the fix was?

G