With all the problems with IWE's, what do the other manufacturers (GM, RAM, TOYOTA) do to connect and control the front hubs. My local Mr. Goodwrench told me that ford vacuum systems (IWE) only last about 5 yrs in our northern NY climate before they fail. Expensive repair if you don't have ESP. Youth wants to know.

Thanks, TH

 

My truck is over 7 years old and I've never had a single IWE issue.

 

My 2002 shift on the fly f150 had no problems for my 8 year ownership. My 2016 had IWE leaks and replacements after 5 years.
I'm looking at a new vehicle within the next 2 yrs. and have to consider other makes if this issue isn't resolved. Problem is, do the other makes have these same issues? TH

 

My last truck didn't have any 4wd problems in 8 1/2 years. Going on 4 years with current truck, no issues.

 

Very few issues from what I see!! 2019 limited 40K and Zero issues with 2/4/AWD anything, I use 4WA Alot, no issues whats so ever---it just works in the AK---Alaska

 

An actual "Mr Goodwrench" that is familiar with IWE.
You realize that the fix is simply keeping the axle engaged? Guess Mr. GW can't be giving away all the easy secrets.

 

You are over-thinking the IWE "issue". When/if it fails, it fails in an active state, meaning the 1/2 shafts are always engaged. This is what they do if the system has issues, simply abandon the system and have it engaged all the time. It is no big deal. If you run in AWD all the time you are also always engaged.

 

Keep in mind, the internet and Forums are full of complaints, the reality is far less issues in the real world, and those of us that don't do idiotic things with our trucks.

 

I'm not 100% sure, but I believe Ford is the only one who uses IWEs to disconnect the front axle at the wheels while the others disconnect the front axle at the center section. In theory Ford's method is better, because in 2 wheel drive the front axle shafts do not spin which saves on wear and tear and very slightly increases gas mileage. Disconnecting the front axle at the center section is probably more reliable, but it does mean that the front axle shafts are spinning all the time.

 

Don't forget that most of the problems with the IWEs have been due to vacuum leaks. With MY 21 they changed them to an electronic actuated IWE (EIWE) where they are engage/disengaged with a motor. Seen fewer problems reported since then but, there have been issues with those as well.