4x4 dial shifter

[stickshifter]

I’m currently cross-shopping the 7.3 Tremor against the Power Wagon. I’ve driven the PW a few times and I’ve driven a 7.3 once but not with the Tremor package; you have to order one where I live - there aren’t any to test drive. But I have a good sense of the differences between the trucks - on paper. For my needs, there are positives and negatives with each. My question for you folks is about the dial for shifting into 4 wheel drive / low range / rear locker. My current truck is my first one with a dial - I’ve always owned manual transmissions and manual transfer case. I don’t like the dial in my current truck (2017 Tacoma). 4 high usually engages well, but it feels lame, cheap, and... tinny (like a soda can, I guess). 4 low is a slow shift with lots of beeping and waiting. All my manual t-cases dropped right into low. So.... how do folks like the dial in the Ford Super Duty? It feels much better to me than my Tacoma, but I’ve only used it once. It may sound stupid to some folks, but the manual transfer case in the PW is one of its big draws for me. Of course, the Tremor is awesome, or I wouldn’t be on this site asking this question! Any experience with the dial you’d like to describe will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Yukon Bush Tremor]

I’m currently cross-shopping the 7.3 Tremor against the Power Wagon. I’ve driven the PW a few times and I’ve driven a 7.3 once but not with the Tremor package; you have to order one where I live - there aren’t any to test drive. But I have a good sense of the differences between the trucks - on paper. For my needs, there are positives and negatives with each. My question for you folks is about the dial for shifting into 4 wheel drive / low range / rear locker. My current truck is my first one with a dial - I’ve always owned manual transmissions and manual transfer case. I don’t like the dial in my current truck (2017 Tacoma). 4 high usually engages well, but it feels lame, cheap, and... tinny (like a soda can, I guess). 4 low is a slow shift with lots of beeping and waiting. All my manual t-cases dropped right into low. So.... how do folks like the dial in the Ford Super Duty? It feels much better to me than my Tacoma, but I’ve only used it once. It may sound stupid to some folks, but the manual transfer case in the PW is one of its big draws for me. Of course, the Tremor is awesome, or I wouldn’t be on this site asking this question! Any experience with the dial you’d like to describe will be appreciated. Thanks!

I personally LOVE the dial.

It has always worked flawlessly for me, and doesnt take up any space on the floor.

One of the things alot of reviewers of the Power Wagon comment on is how cheap and old the 4X4 shifter is on it.

 

[Rock Taxi]

I totally get your desire for a manually operated TCase shifter. I am old school that way too.

I will say, I have had zero issues with the dial shifter in my Tremor, and frankly appreciate not having a shifter poking out somewhere. It works fine and doesn't feel any cheaper than any of the other controls.

Ed

 

[Chris21667]

This is a 80k truck and the dial is great and works as it should and I want it to be more of a premium feel ... Like how it is a automatic shift ... But when it comes to my Jeeps .... Everything is manuel ..m minus the windows and locks .... Just how the jeep came but I understand your point ... But this is 2020... Or 2021 at this point ... Everything should be automatic ... Shouldn't have to do much ... And I like the shift .... BUT I AM HAPPY ONLY THE 4X4 SHIFTER IS A DIAL.... I will say FUCK HAVING A GEAR SHIFTER AS A DIAL .. I hated it in the fusion I had... And it fucking broke off on my dad's ram ... And he said him self that he was trying to turn the volume down on the radio and he did the gear shift dial and after 40k miles the dial broke and he can't shift his 70k ram limited truck ... He has already had nothing but problems with that truck ... But 4x4 is fine... It not used often ... It makes sense and the truck won't shift unless it thinks it safe to ... So you can play with the dial all you want it will only do what the truck thinks is best

 

[PapaRaptor]

It works well, Had one in my 2015 Silverado and that was slow and clunky compared to the Tremor, but to be fair that was 5 years old technology.

I had many old Mopars and Cummins Ram trucks for 15 years straight. Always liked them. I made the change because the fit finish and paint is so much better on the Ford. I also wanted the Aluminum body . I have several FCA products and upon ceramic coating them we could see how inferior the paint was compared to the Fords.

Either way you will be getting a great new truck. I would recommend you have your new truck ceramic coated and the color correction process will fix most of the paint flaws ( on either brand).

 

[ECHO-24]

Don't trust the auto hubs, if you know you are going to need 4x4, get out and lock them in.
Eric

 

[Chris21667]

Don't trust the auto hubs, if you know you are going to need 4x4, get out and lock them in.
Eric

Agreed... I do it I know I am going to use for prolong time ... Not just a quick get unstuck and go ... Haven't had a problem with the auto hubs yet

 

[Ustank2]

Beats getting out in the mud and locking hubs, then tracking the mud back into the truck. Didn't order on old truck, wish I had. Wet feet and dirty pants nasty up the cab. Cleaning the mess may be avoided.

 

[ECHO-24]

Beats getting out in the mud and locking hubs, then tracking the mud back into the truck. Didn't order on old truck, wish I had. Wet feet and dirty pants nasty up the cab. Cleaning the mess may be avoided.

I have had issues with the hubs disengaging when in auto, I do a lot of snow wheeling, and cant risk trusting the vacuum auto hubs.

 

[PapaRaptor]

I have had issues with the hubs disengaging when in auto, I do a lot of snow wheeling, and cant risk trusting the vacuum auto hubs.

and thats what Weather Tech floor mats are for!!!!!! You can always lock them before you get in the shit.

 

[Jking]

If this is the difference you are worried about between these two trucks, I really don't think it matters which one you get. The Power Wagon has lower payload capabilities than some half tons but the heavy duty suspension of the Tremor will decrease its offroad ability drastically compared to the PW. They are just so different and the issue you are talking about is so minor in comparison.

I will say that I was a long time Dodge guy and after one Ford I will never go back to a Ram. They just aren't the same quality that they used to be.

 

[async]

I’m currently cross-shopping the 7.3 Tremor against the Power Wagon. I’ve driven the PW a few times and I’ve driven a 7.3 once but not with the Tremor package; you have to order one where I live - there aren’t any to test drive. But I have a good sense of the differences between the trucks - on paper. For my needs, there are positives and negatives with each. My question for you folks is about the dial for shifting into 4 wheel drive / low range / rear locker. My current truck is my first one with a dial - I’ve always owned manual transmissions and manual transfer case. I don’t like the dial in my current truck (2017 Tacoma). 4 high usually engages well, but it feels lame, cheap, and... tinny (like a soda can, I guess). 4 low is a slow shift with lots of beeping and waiting. All my manual t-cases dropped right into low. So.... how do folks like the dial in the Ford Super Duty? It feels much better to me than my Tacoma, but I’ve only used it once. It may sound stupid to some folks, but the manual transfer case in the PW is one of its big draws for me. Of course, the Tremor is awesome, or I wouldn’t be on this site asking this question! Any experience with the dial you’d like to describe will be appreciated. Thanks!

you are 100% right on about the tacoma. All the beeping and waiting and stopping/starting the truck is so annoying. Sometimes it just doesn't want to go to 4L.

 

[Colfaxent]

you are 100% right on about the tacoma. All the beeping and waiting and stopping/starting the truck is so annoying. Som

 

[Colfaxent]

This dial type shifter isn't new. My 2009 F350 6.4 had the same thing and worked great for 189k miles. I did lock in manually if I was doing a lot in the woods, otherwise on the highway and snowy days it works excellent! Very handy. Never had a hub unlock on me if it was in 4x4 , but hubs will unlock after some driving after switch to 2x4 as it should.

 

[SManZ]

I came from a 2010 Tacoma and I hear you. I absolutely had reservations about electronic transfer cases because the one in the Toyota was shit, even when new. It was always blinking, signaling some kind of engagement issue that required fiddling around, rocking back and forth, steering to unload the drivetrain, and messing with the clutch. I was convinced the entire idea was worthless and I looked hard for a manual transfer case option on my next truck, but Ford did away with that for 2020.

The electronic transfer case in the Super Duty has so far been problem free. It engages and disengages, quickly, and without fault. Shifting between 4lo and 4hi is also problem free. I've also had no issues with the hubs.

I have a little under 7000mi, so trouble-free performance at this time is to be expected. When I was shopping I looked hard into others' experiences with the electronic transfer case and hubs and most seemed happy with it, even after many miles/years and regular use. I was pretty set on getting Warn manual hubs shortly after the truck purchase, but after living with the truck for a bit I don't see a need to at this point.

I’m currently cross-shopping the 7.3 Tremor against the Power Wagon. I’ve driven the PW a few times and I’ve driven a 7.3 once but not with the Tremor package; you have to order one where I live - there aren’t any to test drive. But I have a good sense of the differences between the trucks - on paper. For my needs, there are positives and negatives with each. My question for you folks is about the dial for shifting into 4 wheel drive / low range / rear locker. My current truck is my first one with a dial - I’ve always owned manual transmissions and manual transfer case. I don’t like the dial in my current truck (2017 Tacoma). 4 high usually engages well, but it feels lame, cheap, and... tinny (like a soda can, I guess). 4 low is a slow shift with lots of beeping and waiting. All my manual t-cases dropped right into low. So.... how do folks like the dial in the Ford Super Duty? It feels much better to me than my Tacoma, but I’ve only used it once. It may sound stupid to some folks, but the manual transfer case in the PW is one of its big draws for me. Of course, the Tremor is awesome, or I wouldn’t be on this site asking this question! Any experience with the dial you’d like to describe will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[stickshifter]

Wow - so many great replies. Thanks!

I personally LOVE the dial.

It has always worked flawlessly for me, and doesnt take up any space on the floor.

One of the things alot of reviewers of the Power Wagon comment on is how cheap and old the 4X4 shifter is on it.

I get what you're saying. What I like about the floor shifter is you never reach for it by accident - its the only lever sticking through your floor. In some vehicles the dial shifter doesn't stand out enough from other dials - and you think you are shifting into 4-high when you hit ice/snow, and suddenly the radio is much louder. In my current truck I get into snow covered roads (I live at 8,500 feet so the roads are icy/snowy for 6 months) and I have to take my eyes off the road to make sure I'm going for the 4-wheel drive dial and not something else. I think Ford's dial is very well-placed both in terms of not being next to other dials of similar size, but it is also relatively high on the dash, so if you do need to look, you are not dropping your eyes down low (this is my read on the Ford dial after very little experience with it). I actually have similar complaints about HVAC controls in almost all new cars: you get the cheapest trim and the controls are usually pretty simple, and you can operate them without looking at them; you step up to heated seats or some higher trim, and you get complicated HVAC controls that you have to look at while you are driving. In my Toyota, I have to do three distinct things to change the temp of the air coming through the vents if the fan is off - its annoying because it is unnecessary!

I totally get your desire for a manually operated TCase shifter. I am old school that way too.

I will say, I have had zero issues with the dial shifter in my Tremor, and frankly appreciate not having a shifter poking out somewhere. It works fine and doesn't feel any cheaper than any of the other controls.

Ed

Thanks this is good to hear!

This is a 80k truck and the dial is great and works as it should and I want it to be more of a premium feel ... Like how it is a automatic shift ... But when it comes to my Jeeps .... Everything is manuel ..m minus the windows and locks .... Just how the jeep came but I understand your point ... But this is 2020... Or 2021 at this point ... Everything should be automatic ... Shouldn't have to do much ... And I like the shift .... BUT I AM HAPPY ONLY THE 4X4 SHIFTER IS A DIAL.... I will say FUCK HAVING A GEAR SHIFTER AS A DIAL .. I hated it in the fusion I had... And it fucking broke off on my dad's ram ... And he said him self that he was trying to turn the volume down on the radio and he did the gear shift dial and after 40k miles the dial broke and he can't shift his 70k ram limited truck ... He has already had nothing but problems with that truck ... But 4x4 is fine... It not used often ... It makes sense and the truck won't shift unless it thinks it safe to ... So you can play with the dial all you want it will only do what the truck thinks is best

I hear you. You pay a lot for a truck, you want things to be automatic and feel high-end. I'm just an analog guy. I still like rowing my own gears, and a manual t-case. I've never even owned an automatic transmission (almost 40 years of driving), and right now I have my first ever non-manual t-case. I've had lots of Jeeps and Toyotas, and one heavy duty truck (a 1989 5.9 Cummins, manual tranny, manual transfer case).

It works well, Had one in my 2015 Silverado and that was slow and clunky compared to the Tremor, but to be fair that was 5 years old technology.

I had many old Mopars and Cummins Ram trucks for 15 years straight. Always liked them. I made the change because the fit finish and paint is so much better on the Ford. I also wanted the Aluminum body . I have several FCA products and upon ceramic coating them we could see how inferior the paint was compared to the Fords.

Either way you will be getting a great new truck. I would recommend you have your new truck ceramic coated and the color correction process will fix most of the paint flaws ( on either brand).

Thanks for the advice on the paint - I've heard from multiple sources that Ford's paint is much better than Ram.

Don't trust the auto hubs, if you know you are going to need 4x4, get out and lock them in.
Eric

Thanks! On the one hand, its too bad that the vacuum system is not 100% reliable, but on the other hand, Ford gives you the option to manually lock the hubs - and that is great. I spent a lot of years locking front hubs. Occasionally it is super-inconvenient, but overall, I sort of like it.

If this is the difference you are worried about between these two trucks, I really don't think it matters which one you get. The Power Wagon has lower payload capabilities than some half tons but the heavy duty suspension of the Tremor will decrease its offroad ability drastically compared to the PW. They are just so different and the issue you are talking about is so minor in comparison.

I will say that I was a long time Dodge guy and after one Ford I will never go back to a Ram. They just aren't the same quality that they used to be.

Thanks for the reply! Yup, there are big differences between the Ram PW and the Ford Tremor. But both can work for my end use, so it will come down to which features I prioritize. I like hearing from actual owners, even though I know this is not a scientific study with statistically significant results. Its just cool to hear from real humans - hence the forum. Despite the differences between the trucks, both can work for me, and so there are advantages and disadvantages with each. Take a variable like size. In town, and off-road, the Ram will be more maneuverable because it is 11 inches shorter. On the other hand, there will be times the extra room in the Ford - both in the bed, and in the second row (which is bigger and has a flat floor) - will be great. Everything is give and take. Take a variable like payload. Payload in the Ram is absurdly low for a 2500, but off-road that truck articulates like crazy, and on-road it rides a little better when unloaded. On the other hand, the Tremor can tow and haul like a boss, but cannot flex like the Ram (and doesn't have a front locker). I could go on and on but you don't want to hear that - so I kept the question narrow. I'm asking about the dial-shifter in the Ford because - if it is similar to the one I have now - I buy the Ram. That's how much I dislike the transfer case dial in my current rig. So while the dial may seem like a minor issue to some folks, it matters to me. When a truck is available to test drive, I'll get a little more time to work with it myself. I appreciate your reply!

This dial type shifter isn't new. My 2009 F350 6.4 had the same thing and worked great for 189k miles. I did lock in manually if I was doing a lot in the woods, otherwise on the highway and snowy days it works excellent! Very handy. Never had a hub unlock on me if it was in 4x4 , but hubs will unlock after some driving after switch to 2x4 as it should.

That's good to hear - thanks!

I came from a 2010 Tacoma and I hear you. I absolutely had reservations about electronic transfer cases because the one in the Toyota was shit, even when new. It was always blinking, signaling some kind of engagement issue that required fiddling around, rocking back and forth, steering to unload the drivetrain, and messing with the clutch. I was convinced the entire idea was worthless and I looked hard for a manual transfer case option on my next truck, but Ford did away with that for 2020.

The electronic transfer case in the Super Duty has so far been problem free. It engages and disengages, quickly, and without fault. Shifting between 4lo and 4hi is also problem free. I've also had no issues with the hubs.

I have a little under 7000mi, so trouble-free performance at this time is to be expected. When I was shopping I looked hard into others' experiences with the electronic transfer case and hubs and most seemed happy with it, even after many miles/years and regular use. I was pretty set on getting Warn manual hubs shortly after the truck purchase, but after living with the truck for a bit I don't see a need to at this point.

Thanks - this is really helpful! I bought a 2019 4-Runner for my wife with a manual transfer case (not an option in the Tacoma) - and it works great! Just like every other manual t-case I've owned (and she loves it). I have no idea why Toyota went to the electronic dial in the Tacoma - but it sucks. Its great to hear from a Toyota owner who understands how lame the Tacoma electronic t-case is, and who has had good experiences with the Ford.

Thanks again to everyone who took a little time to reply!

 

[PapaRaptor]

We aim to please and love to help you spend your hard earned $$$$$$


lots of cool group buys here plus other members upgrades..................

 

[Chris21667]

Wow - so many great replies. Thanks!



I get what you're saying. What I like about the floor shifter is you never reach for it by accident - its the only lever sticking through your floor. In some vehicles the dial shifter doesn't stand out enough from other dials - and you think you are shifting into 4-high when you hit ice/snow, and suddenly the radio is much louder. In my current truck I get into snow covered roads (I live at 8,500 feet so the roads are icy/snowy for 6 months) and I have to take my eyes off the road to make sure I'm going for the 4-wheel drive dial and not something else. I think Ford's dial is very well-placed both in terms of not being next to other dials of similar size, but it is also relatively high on the dash, so if you do need to look, you are not dropping your eyes down low (this is my read on the Ford dial after very little experience with it). I actually have similar complaints about HVAC controls in almost all new cars: you get the cheapest trim and the controls are usually pretty simple, and you can operate them without looking at them; you step up to heated seats or some higher trim, and you get complicated HVAC controls that you have to look at while you are driving. In my Toyota, I have to do three distinct things to change the temp of the air coming through the vents if the fan is off - its annoying because it is unnecessary!



Thanks this is good to hear!



I hear you. You pay a lot for a truck, you want things to be automatic and feel high-end. I'm just an analog guy. I still like rowing my own gears, and a manual t-case. I've never even owned an automatic transmission (almost 40 years of driving), and right now I have my first ever non-manual t-case. I've had lots of Jeeps and Toyotas, and one heavy duty truck (a 1989 5.9 Cummins, manual tranny, manual transfer case).



Thanks for the advice on the paint - I've heard from multiple sources that Ford's paint is much better than Ram.



Thanks! On the one hand, its too bad that the vacuum system is not 100% reliable, but on the other hand, Ford gives you the option to manually lock the hubs - and that is great. I spent a lot of years locking front hubs. Occasionally it is super-inconvenient, but overall, I sort of like it.



Thanks for the reply! Yup, there are big differences between the Ram PW and the Ford Tremor. But both can work for my end use, so it will come down to which features I prioritize. I like hearing from actual owners, even though I know this is not a scientific study with statistically significant results. Its just cool to hear from real humans - hence the forum. Despite the differences between the trucks, both can work for me, and so there are advantages and disadvantages with each. Take a variable like size. In town, and off-road, the Ram will be more maneuverable because it is 11 inches shorter. On the other hand, there will be times the extra room in the Ford - both in the bed, and in the second row (which is bigger and has a flat floor) - will be great. Everything is give and take. Take a variable like payload. Payload in the Ram is absurdly low for a 2500, but off-road that truck articulates like crazy, and on-road it rides a little better when unloaded. On the other hand, the Tremor can tow and haul like a boss, but cannot flex like the Ram (and doesn't have a front locker). I could go on and on but you don't want to hear that - so I kept the question narrow. I'm asking about the dial-shifter in the Ford because - if it is similar to the one I have now - I buy the Ram. That's how much I dislike the transfer case dial in my current rig. So while the dial may seem like a minor issue to some folks, it matters to me. When a truck is available to test drive, I'll get a little more time to work with it myself. I appreciate your reply!



That's good to hear - thanks!



Thanks - this is really helpful! I bought a 2019 4-Runner for my wife with a manual transfer case (not an option in the Tacoma) - and it works great! Just like every other manual t-case I've owned (and she loves it). I have no idea why Toyota went to the electronic dial in the Tacoma - but it sucks. Its great to hear from a Toyota owner who understands how lame the Tacoma electronic t-case is, and who has had good experiences with the Ford.

Thanks again to everyone who took a little time to reply!

Longest post I have ever read hahahaha

 

[jhblaze1]

I too would prefer manual lever. I don't get the appeal of these flimsy little knobs, but if they get the xfer case to engage then that's all that matters.

 

[stickshifter]

Longest post I have ever read hahahaha

Ha Ha! This is what avoiding work looks like!