I saw a 2500 today on a local Dodge truck lot that was a 4x4 SLT but it did not have the transfer case shifter on the floor. <br><br>I wondered where in the heck they put it and sure enough, it was right where it is on the Laramies. Looked on the sticker deal on the side window and it must be a new option for the SLT. It had a list price of $545 for the electronic controlled transfer case shifter. <br><br>First and only SLT I had ever seen with that option. I wonder if it works OK?

 

its something new they came out with this year.<br>DM01

 

Does it work like Ford and GM's ESOF or does it just do the function of the old floor lever?

 

Just more electronic and electrical problems later. I will stick with my lever sticking out of the floor thank you. Had the option of getting the above option but decided against it as I am afraid of problems down the road. For those of you who purchase a 4X4 and seldom plan on using the 4X4, this will probably be OK.

 

I have it on my SLT and it works great, no wrangling the lever into place. Long term, I wouldn't doubt it if it was found to be MORE reliable. No linkages to break, jam, etc. I turn the **** and it's into 4x4 instantly, very nice.

 

Now, with the gen 3 Dodge Rams, at least the floor lever will actually put you in 4wd. We no longer have the failure prone vacuum motor on the front end. I have the electronic shift and it really is nice but it isn't as foolproof as the lever. Even if the lever jams or breaks or something you can get under the truck and force it into 4wd some way or another. Not so with the electronic version.

 

What about that vaccuum shift on fly acutator motor? The Powerstroke's SOF has been flawless. Is Dodge's a consistent problem?

 

The Dodge electronic transfer case uses an electric motor. It's too early to tell if it will be a problem or not. The Gen 2 Dodges used a vacuum &quot;motor&quot; on the front axle to connect the right side axle. The Gen 3 front end is always connected.

 

Badunit, thanks. Sorry I did mean electronic SOF not vaccuum. I ordered the SOF and hope it lines out ok. <br>Like you say, we'll see. ???

 

I'm assuming the electric motor is contained in the transfer case. In that case the motor is the only additional piece of hardware that could fail beyond the standard transfer case. If it is contained in the housing, I would think it's pretty much bullet proof as it's fully protected. They have been using them in the Super Dutys for years, I have never heard of a failure. The external linkages on the other hand would be a point of failure that the electronic system wouldn't have.

 

That's my take on it too. Hopefully with the skid plate as added protection and clearance it'll line out like my Superduties, very reliable (so far) in daily off road use. You know, I can't remember when I've ever used my manual hubs deferring always to the auto setting which may explain why Dodge doesn't put the manuals on anymore? I sure don't miss the old days!

 

Pretty sure I saw a picture of the electric shift transfer case (273) - was just the mechanical 271 with a servomotor actuating the shaft that normally is run with a lever. NVG website shows all ratings identical, weight difference of 3 lbs. Personally - I'll take the lever and would pay quite a bit extra for manual hubs at the wheel ends.

 

I'm with you Mathew... I too would dearly love to have manual hubs at the wheels as an option...

 

Clearance and damage from road/off-road debris isn't an issue. The question is whether or not the servomotor will hold up over time.

 

Does anyone know if there is some sort of feed back from the x-fer case itself to know when the truck is in 4x or is the dash switch the only feedback? [undecided]<br><br>I guess what I'm trying to say is, IF the servo motor failed, would you be able to tell (other than getting stuck) ?<br><br>