4x4 SOTF versus floor shifter

[BGIII]

Can anybody tell me what the mechanical difference is between a truck that has a switch on the dash to engage 4 wheel drive and one that has the shifter on the floor? Is one better than the other? Do they have more differences than simply the method of engagement?

Thanks

[Lubbockguy1979]

typically the auto sotf is all electric. meaning i flip a knob in my truck and the tcase as well as the hubs lock electronically. on a floor shift truck you must lock the hubs your self as well as switch the tcase your self

[Jarrod B]

i use my sotf as a manual since my auto hubs dont auto lock

turn the switch and get out to lock hubs

[jetjock15]

the manual system is WAY BETTER, i insisted my last 3 superduties had manual transfer case, but my current one i had to buy at a dealer in anchorage alaska in a pinch and they had no manual transfer cases on the lot..... you have to special order them.... i have been surprised at the reliability of the ESOF though, it has not failed me yet... i was stuck in 4xlow for about 30 min on the trail couple weeks ago, but one i came to a complete stop and put in neutral, it came out.... anyway, im a big fan of the manual engagement.....

[BGIII]

What is the point of the lockouts on the sotf system if it has automatic locking hubs?

How bad does driving around in the winter with the hubs locked on the manual system affect fuel mileage?

[dereku]

with a manual shifter the hubs are still vacuum operated.

[Davey~do]

Originally Posted by BGIII

What is the point of the lockouts on the sotf system if it has automatic locking hubs?

Every SOTF system I have ever owned has failed at one time or another due to vacuum issues. My guess would be so that you actally still HAVE a 4WD system when the vacuum system fails and you find yourself in BFE and needing it.

Originally Posted by BGIII

How bad does driving around in the winter with the hubs locked on the manual system affect fuel mileage?

I tried this one time just out of curiosity for a full tank. Surprisingly enough I only lost a tad over 1mpg over the tank. YMMV however. 1 tank does not make a realistic example!

[Snake]

Originally Posted by Davey~do

Every SOTF system I have ever owned has failed at one time or another due to vacuum issues. My guess would be so that you actally still HAVE a 4WD system when the vacuum system fails and you find yourself in BFE and needing it.

+1

If the ESOF fails, you can lock the hubs and still have 4x4.

[RRF985]

Originally Posted by dereku

with a manual shifter the hubs are still vacuum operated.

How can that be? My hubs have Free and Lock. If I pull the shifter with them in free they don't engage. I have to get out and lock them by hand. I don't see how there is any vacuum engagement with the manual system.

[Lubbockguy1979]

The manual I don't think had the esof hubs. Older trucks pre 99 had a different type of sotf hub that were not vacum opperated.