mmurray

I have an '05 and have not had this problem, but my brother called me to inform me it has taken the life of a co-worker...

On Dec 15th his friend was driving down the highway guesstemated at or around 70mph (in a 65mph) At which point he lost control and flipped and was not wearing a seatbelt and died...

At first, they suspected drunk driving and did all the tests but found No Alcohol in his system. They began investigating further and found out in his '07 megacab he had been having problems with the electronic 4wd shifting into gear on its own... this time it seems he was traveling well over the suggested 50 or 55mph sugested shifting max. At that point something broke in the front end and the drivers front tire flew off... Which caused the rest of the events to take place... His truck had just over 3,000 miles on it and no modifications...

So My first question is has anyone else heard of such an event?
Second, Does this only involve the '07's?

Finally, if you have an '07 with an electric shift transfer case, you may want to contact your dealer about recalls or just for your own safety and peace of mind.

God Bless...

vzdude

My condolences for your loss and for his family's loss. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out why 4x4 engaging - whether it be at 15mph or 115 mph, would cause a front wheel to fly off. There are some large parts there that the simple process of it going into 4x4 would not be able to shear off. I know I have shifted mine into 4wd at over 70mph at times with no adverse concerns. I'm not doubting that some sort of mechanical defect or failure was at fault, but I would bet on it not being electronic 4wd related.

CamperAndy

I have an 06 Megacab with electronic transfer to 4WD and it has a bump less transfer at any and all speeds. I have driven up to 70 with the 4wd engaged.

In the owners manual the 55mph note is only indicated for the manually shifted transfer cases. On the electronically shifted there is no noted speed limit for 2wd to 4Hi.

02ramowner

i thought i read in my owners manual that if you tried to engage 4wd above 55 mph that it wouldnt activate until speed dropped below 55 mph.

mmurray

Thanks Guys... In my '05 I have not had problems either... I have been above 70 on a wet road in 4 hi before... (shifted in below 50) and never had this problem...

My brother of course having concern told me about it and asked I make sure my truck is safe...

Just was not sure if anyone else had heard of anything like this... It is truely sad, but like you I wonder if there was more to it... but a brand new truck with just over 3000 miles.... Nothing upgraded... still running on the same Oil he left the dealership with... It's truely an akward event and hopefully an isolated one...

To everyone, just be safe... and hopefully what ever was the FULL cause of this will not happen to anyone else....

DADDY'S DIESEL

I have shifted my 08 at over 70 with no problems but after reading your story I think twice about it next time.

patdaly

mmurray, can you post the location of this wreck?
I googled this several ways and have found no mention anywhere.

I would be curious to read more.

mmurray

Baton Rouge, LA may be the paper you find it in...

But the accident happened just South of there (basiclly a suberb of Baton Rouge) in the Gonzalez - Sorento area...

TedT

Some months ago, perhaps on another forum I read a post by a dealer tech. to the effect that he was aware of more than one truck that shifted into 4 wheel low by itself at speed. I think he said the transfer case blew apart and the front drive shaft whipped around knocking holes in the floor and distroying everything in it's path. Maybe the truck you discribed had the same thing happen with a different result.
Ted

mmurray

? Maybe... do you remember if this was only an '07 problem?

TedT

I think it was.
Ted

patdaly

Still can't find it, but if it did indeed find its way into 4lo at 70................Wow!

I guess I need to hug my shift lever tonight when I get in the truck.