Four wheel Drive

How come you dont see older style 4wd systems in newer trucks anymore such as part time (manual shift lever) t/cases and manual locking hubs anymore

Electronic t cases are just failure prone do to water and debris intrusion from sensitive electronic sensors and actuators

 

People seem to like the no mess no fuss.

Remember the mass market does not buy these vehicles to venture beyond the mall parking lots or school.

keep the vehicle a few years and unload.

The way I look at this.

 

I look at it this way a full manual part time transfer case keeps the front driveshaft from turning which eliminates wear on the front axle . A manual t /case with 3 shifters you can easily select 2wd low front or rear

 

That's a good question as I wondered the same thing. Especially with the manual transfer case.

 

Most people don't want the work of a manual transmission. Manufacturers probably assume it's the same with TC and hubs.

 

The overall trend of vehicles is towards appliances that require no thought to operate. Everything is integrated and convenient at the touch of a button (or more so now, at the bottom of a menu) and is designed to save you from yourself. A manual shift case doesn't fit into that. Nor do locking hubs. And since the economics for the manufacturer favor people buying new vehicles constantly and living under a constant monthly payment, reliability and longevity take a back seat.

 

My friends Ford F450 4X4 P/UP has a transfer case shifter lever and locking hubs

 

I've even seen Ford F650 p/ups with locking hubs !!

 

Superdutys are more industrial though, especially once above you get past a F350.

I think I've seen 250's with locking hubs too, actually.

I wonder if maybe they have issues making electronic cases that are strong enough in that application?

 

Same reason most of them have automatic transmissions, 10 cup holders, power windows/door locks, smart keys, Entune, TPMS, low fuel lights, etc. And don't forget the folks that whine over the lack of power seats.

 

I miss my 1st gen with the manual t-case shifter.

 

If it weren't for these damn square cupholders, mine would be the perfect vehicle.

 

I also miss the parking brake lever in the dash along with the ignition.

Only thing I prefer on my 2nd gen over the 1st is the composite bed and the USB port for my IPOD.

 

It took me awhile to adjust from the 2nd Gen Dash Handbrake to the 3rd in the Console.

 

Speaking of Handbrakes, glad we still have a normal cable actuated type versus the stupid electric switch kind

 

^^ We have one on our Subaru and I hate it. All I see it as is another potential electronic failure point.

If the battery dies and I need to bump start it with the clutch (ours is a '14 OB with manual), here's the 12 step process to release the parking brake

http://www.subarumanuals.org/subaru-891.html

 

Can you imagine what would happen if you put most of society today into a vehicle that had manual 4x4 transmission, TC and hubs? They wouldn't be able to drive it and the dealership's would sell very little.

A reckoning is coming and it's going to be biblical.

 

manual t case with locking hubs was the most annoying shit when its -40 out and you gotta get out and engage the hubs. No thanks been there done that ill pass.

 

I just left my hubs locked in the winter.

 

X2, was no big deal.