View Poll Results: Which 4x4 system is more reliable?
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Reliability: Automatic 4x4 vs. Manual 4x4
Thread Starter
Resident Dinosaur
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,224
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From: Chico, California
Reliability: Automatic 4x4 vs. Manual 4x4
I was speaking to my friend (a Chevrolet enthusiast... 
) who is of the opinion that Automatic 4x4 systems (hubs and transfer cases) are more reliable than my manual lockout hubs and transfer case.
I beg to differ with his position and contend that my lockouts are much more reliable than any auto 4x4 system.
What do you guys think?
) who is of the opinion that Automatic 4x4 systems (hubs and transfer cases) are more reliable than my manual lockout hubs and transfer case. I beg to differ with his position and contend that my lockouts are much more reliable than any auto 4x4 system.
What do you guys think?
Last edited by Raptor22; Jan 15, 2011 at 11:56 PM.
Censored by the Man
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,441
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From: Gorham, Maine
I dont see how he could think they were more reliable. Anytime you ad more compnents you raise the number of things to go wrong and mixing offroad abuse with factory electric components is just asking for trouble. I had my manual transfer case not shift into gear one time. I got out and pulled the stick out that was jammed in it and wason my way. If a solenoid fails on the trail you are screwed.
I Like Tires
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 4,828
Likes: 251
From: Texas
This^^
However I prefer automatic and would choose them over manual because more than likely when you decide you need 4x4 you usually are in a situation where you don't want to get out of the truck. Heavy Rain, Snow, etc.
However I prefer automatic and would choose them over manual because more than likely when you decide you need 4x4 you usually are in a situation where you don't want to get out of the truck. Heavy Rain, Snow, etc.
Thread Starter
Resident Dinosaur
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,224
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From: Chico, California
I Voted For Bill and Opus
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,040
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From: Cheyenne, Wyoming
I prefer an automatic setup. They are very reliable and very convenient. I also prefer modern computer controlled automatic transmissions, with their locker torque converters. In most causes you get better gas mileage with this transmission then a manual.
in the house
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,140
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From: Kansas
Just like modern transmissions....automatic RULES the day anymore. There simply isn't a comparison.
Now...for OLDER systems I'd have to agree that the manually locking systems are more reliable...but just barely. Modern systems have pretty much eliminated all the problems that were (minor) issues before.
Now...for OLDER systems I'd have to agree that the manually locking systems are more reliable...but just barely. Modern systems have pretty much eliminated all the problems that were (minor) issues before.
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: North Dakota
Just like modern transmissions....automatic RULES the day anymore. There simply isn't a comparison.
Now...for OLDER systems I'd have to agree that the manually locking systems are more reliable...but just barely. Modern systems have pretty much eliminated all the problems that were (minor) issues before.
Now...for OLDER systems I'd have to agree that the manually locking systems are more reliable...but just barely. Modern systems have pretty much eliminated all the problems that were (minor) issues before.
I pretty much agree with this, unless its a chevy, which is probably why your friend thinks that. Ive known lots of people with chevys having problems with their 4x4. The one on my dads 2003 tahoe is constantly going out and he doesnt even use it that much. It broke down with like 25K miles on it and they had to replace the transfer case under warranty and its been needing service quite a few times since then. I havent had any reports of breakdowns from my ford friends however.