On all of my previous Ford trucks, I’ve always ordered the manual transfer case shift lever and (back when it was possible) manual lockout hubs. Why would I want such an archaic system when I could have Electronic Shift on the Fly (ESOF)? Because I’d heard bad things about ESOF parts going bad – right when you need them the most. I like simple things because they’re generally more reliable, but Ford has been making ESOF systems for years so they ought to have it right by now, right?

When I ordered my 2005 F-150, I broke down and reluctantly ordered ESOF for a very strange reason. When you ordered the manual transfer case shift, you not only got a shift lever poking up through your transmission tunnel (just like my previous trucks), but a rather large cup holder too. This cup holder supposedly replaced the one on the dash that you could no longer use due to the manual lever. Well, the cup holders were large enough as to prevent anyone from ever sitting in the center of the (regular cab) truck. Since I occasionally carry three, I needed the room, so hello ESOF.

Fast forward to this past weekend where we got the first snowfall of the season – and my first need to use 4WD since last summer at the launch ramp. Just turn the switch and – nothing. I checked all the fuses and relays and eventually found that I had no power going to the ESOF motor. OK, time to call the pros. Fortunately, my dealer has Saturday service hours and got me in. Three hours and a bit over $400.00 later, I had both a new ESOF motor and valve assembly. Exactly the stuff I’d tried to avoid having to replace in the past, and all dead at only 61,000 miles. Boy, I’m glad they’re working on improving the quality of stuff that’s been failing for years.

 

Well at least you got it fixed before round 2 starts... or is it round 3.... or.....

 

they don't make em like they used to

 

Actually, I'd be happier if that statement was true. Apparently they still build them like they used to - because they're still a problem. Oh yea, and mine was the second one they'd fixed that same day with the same problem. So am I venting? Yea, I guess so.

 

Yup, all them fancy doohickey's aren't a substitute for a good reliable simple system. Who cares if you have to get out of the vehicle in the cold and manually lock the hubs, at least you know they'll work.

*says the guy with the 2wd truck!*

 

I love my ESOF, it has never failed me the hundreds of times i have used it.

 

That's why. It seems that if you don't use them for extended periods the motors go bad.

 

I love the manual hubs and transfercases. This is the first 4wd that I've owned without them. Almost bought a superduty just to get the manual hubs but didn't really need that much truck and couldn't afford it.

To add something to this if you don't use 4wd much you should at least flip it to 4wd every month or 2 to keep the tracks on the t-case lubed(or however it works) so the thing doesn't sit in the same spot forever and possibly freeze up.

 

My Dad had Ranger a couple years ago, and the front hubs kept busting along with the U-Joints... that thing was a mechanic's nightmare.

 

Never had a problem with my ESOF....but I do engage it a couple times a month.

 

Don't feel bad, my shift motor failed and had to replaced at just over 11,000 miles.

 

there are 2 problems with the ESOF system

1. the motors aren't properly sealed. it's been a design issue since the day they first installed 1. My 93 Bronco went through 2 shift motors before I got rid of it.

2. if the motor sits there, the moisture and crud that gets inside makes it corrode. then the motor essentially freezes in place.

solution:

1 or 2 times a month engage your 4x4. this'll break crud up and hopefully prevent it from siezure.

also, if it absolutely fails...TAKE A HAMMER TO THE MOTOR...it sounds crude, but it works. the shock will loosen the crud and allow the motor to work. helped me extend the life of 1 motor almost 1 year