All of you who drive 4x4s, please give your opinion of your transfer case...is manual or electric better? Blueovalnews had some negative info about the electric shifter in the past. Any problems with electric?

Need to know quickly, so I can confirm the order of my 2000 on Monday.

Thanks.

 

I have the electronic t-case and I absolutely love it, except that I occasionally will reach for the a/c **** and accidentally grab the 4x4 switch. The convienience of not having to manually shift or having a shifter on the center hump more than outweighs any other negative aspect of the electronic t-case. As far as reliability goes, if there were major problems with this setup, I'm sure it would have been discussed more. But I haven't read about too many unhappy electronic t-case owners, and I've been reading this site constantly for over a year.

Hope this helps,


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MarkS
1999 F-150 XLT, 4x4, ORP, SC, SB, 5.4 Liter, 3.73ls, Husky Truck Box, Westin Chrome Nerf Bars, TOFF Spray-in Bedliner, FORD Blue-Oval Hitch Cover, & Superchip.

 

I have the electric t-case also and love it. I think the problems they had are in the past. My 91 Explorer was one of the first to make use of that technology. It hasnt worked since 1993, I think its an electrical problem but we never spent the money to fix it since we never used it.

The one on my F-150 is far advanced and so is the 4X4 system. Just rotate the **** and youre locked in. Same operation when youre done, just turn it off and go on your way.

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The Truck: 1997 Black F-150 Flareside. Regular Cab ORP and Towing Package
The Mods: K&N Filter, Eurolid Hard Tonneau and Ford Bug Deflector.
The Site:
Triton's 4.6 Liter Web Page
www.mindspring.com/~acbradley/index.html

 

I prefer the manual shift for the transfer case myself, but aggree with Boss Blue, it is a little stiff to shift.

Although I know several friends who have the electric shift, and they've had no problems with it, I don't want to be without 4x4 because a switch failed. I also like having the neutral position available.

 

I've got a manual transfer case and I like, however, it can be a little hard to shift. Going from 2 WD to 4 hi and back is not usually a problem, but shifting into 4 low and back sometimes takes a little "persuasion". This can be especially hard for my wife and she needs to use both hands.

 

No problems with mine after 43K. Like it better than my wifes Pathfinder manual but no option for electric on them. Is in a kind of wrong place but can be convenient. Have made the same mistake once of turning up the air but grabbing the 4X4 switch instead! Low speed so ok and haven't done it again.

 

I have the electric shift and have never had a problem with it and I use it on average 2 or 3 times a week. I would think the manual would be more reliable even though the electric is pretty reliable. You still have to worry about the electric actuator on the front diff.

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1997 4x4 5.4 ORP XLT extended cab Dark Toreador red Westin nerf bars tint HARDER THAN A ROCK AND FASTER THAN A HEART BEAT


[This message has been edited by ford-tough1 (edited 09-16-1999).]

 

Any more responses? I have to tell the fleet manager my choice on Monday! I like the look of the electronic, but am concerned about the reliability....

 

Gotta go with the electric! I know! I know! Old habits die hard but who wants to have to jam their new truck into 4x4 low! A simple flip of the switch and walla! Your in 4x4 low.

 

Had the Manual Transfer case in the '97 and I have to tell you guys, it was the EASIEST manual transfer case shifter I have ever used.

Have the Electronic Transfer Case shifter in the '99 and I must say, this is the way to go. I've had it in and out of 4WD close to 100 times and it's worked flawlessly. You twist the ****. Something goes clickety-click and you're in 4Hi. Come to a stop, shift into neutral, turn the **** to 4Lo and clickety-click, you're in 4Lo.

 

I was a skeptic at first. I had always had the manual shift transfer case, but I had a 90 big Bronco that had the electric shift & it worked flawlessly didn't matter how cold or anything it had 140K on it when I sold it and it still worked fine

 

I have had the electronic shift, in both my 97 and now in my 99 and although, the electronic one is a no brainer. If you switch into 4X4 by accident, and your travelling too fast, it won't engage until your speed drops, if you shift into 4 low while your driving, it won't engage...so if you accidently turn the ****, you wont damage anything unless you loose control of the vehicle. If you a driving under 55 miles per hour, you can engage without looking down at your feet which at 50 miles per hour might not be the safestest place to be staring. my 0.02


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David
'99 F150 XLT SC, STYLESIDE
4X4 ORP 5.4L, AUTOMATIC,
139wb, Rhino, K&N,
BugGuard, RainGuards
Superchip

 

I have the electric and I love it! I also have the full bench up front. I can have three adults sit up front without an issue of leg space. I would definitely go with this option.