any suggestions, how to make an electrical transfer case into a manual?

[clearamericanbo]

on my 91 navajo, im tryen to figure out a way to swap my electrical 4x4 switch into a manual lever on a regualar auto transmission, any suggestions? has anyone done this?

 

[Doug]

There is no easy way to convert to a manual linkage on an electric t-case. They way the two t-cases shift is different. A while ago I saw pics of someone who used a piece of cable in a sleeve as a manual shifter. Basically he had a knob in the cab he would turn which would turn the shifter on the t-case. I don't know how well it worked though.

 

[Mud Bug 94]

look in the sticky.

 

[clearamericanbo]

do you remember whare youve seen those pics at? it sounds like a possibillity

 

[Mud Bug 94]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125545

 

[glfredrick]

That was my project.

It works perfectly, as long as I can keep the cable from unscrewing the ends that thread into the flexible shaft.

I'm going to make a new one using 1/4" socket extensions and swivels so it is solid. Weld or epoxy all the joints together and make a little driveshaft this time. You could also use steel rod, and something flexible in the center to get it to bend into the cab.

FYI - the T-cases are IDENTICAL in strength - only the shift mechanism is different.

I can also sometimes find manual shift cases for around $200 a pop. They come and they go at my local yard, but that price includes linkages when they have them.

 

[gijoecam]

On the 13-54, why can't you replace the entire shift motor with the manual linkage? Isn't that how the manual 13-54s work?

-Joe

 

[IZwack]

On the 13-54, why can't you replace the entire shift motor with the manual linkage? Isn't that how the manual 13-54s work?

You can, the right points are all there (2hi, 4hi, etc..).

 

[410Fortune]

no no no the e shaft t case has a different type of shifter, the manual t case shift linkage will not just bolt on

 

[IZwack]

no no no the e shaft t case has a different type of shifter, the manual t case shift linkage will not just bolt on

Sorry I mean with some modifications ehehe. Including sealing it off as I dont remember there being a good seal where the motor engages the shift-rod.

 

[glfredrick]

On the 13-54, why can't you replace the entire shift motor with the manual linkage? Isn't that how the manual 13-54s work?

-Joe

You can, but only with some other arrangement than the factory-type manual linkage. The t-cases are identical except for the outer back case, which has a different type of shift linkage for the electric model than the manual model.

The manual case has a rod that pokes in and out, like other t-cases. The electric case has a rotating shaft that does the shifting, hence my taking an old motor, cutting it apart, and making a shaft to drive the rotation.

Otherwise, yes, you can indeed make an electric model into a manual case if you figure out that part of the deal. It is not rocket science.

The EASIEST and CHEAPEST way is to simply flop under the truck with a small vise grips and twist the shift sector until it kicks into the desired range. I've done it that way on mine for a couple years.

 

[410Fortune]

I rebuilt a shift motor for my BII today (I had a spare, never opened one to work from) the OEM one I had was rebuilt by me about 4 years ago, but this weekend I found I had no more low range.

My BII has 293K miles on it, the shift motor had those many miles as well with one rebuild under its belt.
I personally love the touch button 4x4, its pretty damn reliable