changing push button 4x4 to manual shift??

[sirforrest2]

Wanna start off by saying this is a great site.
I got a question. Im having problems with my electronic push button 4x4 system, I was wanting to leave off the electronic shifter motor and replace it with a manual setup. Maybe fabricate a lever and linkage so i could just manually shift it instead of having the push button . is this possible or is there a kit to do this?What kind of problems are associated with a mod like this or is it a good fix? A buddy and i thought it would be a good route. Any opinions? Thanks alot

 

[Doug]

Its not possible to convert an electric shift t-case to a manual shift. you have to get a manual shift t-case. I have a borg warner 1354 manual shift out of a 95 ranger and it bolts right up.

 

[sirforrest2]

Anyone know why this isnt possible? Thanks, Andy

 

[Jason_25]

I have never seen it done but it is possible. If you pull the shifter motor off you can shift the case with a pair of pliers so all you have to do is figure out how to rig it to the inside of your truck.

 

[Fischer]

My friend just did it to his 97 Ranger. He now has 2H, 4H, N and 4L.

I am not sure how the cases differ. Though if the shift mechanism is the same it takes some fabbin' but may be worth it if we have a N position. Dunno though. Haven't pulled off the motor...

 

[steve6534]

Here is a link to a page that has a good picture of the T-case with the motor removed - It doesn't look like there's an 'N' position but it may not be marked..

Steve

 

[steve6534]

Sorry.. Here it is

Dead Link Removed

 

[Doug]

Originally posted by sirforrest2
Anyone know why this isnt possible? Thanks, Andy

Im sure it COULD be done but you'd have to custom fab all the parts in order to make it work. It takes a fair amount of twisting to shift the gears in the t-case and you'd have to figure out a way to do that reliably. I would think you'd also have to creat some short of shift gate of some sort to keep you locked in and prevent you from coming out of gear. i think for the time and effort you would put into making an electric shift into a manual shift it would be cheaper and easier to go with a manual case.

 

[Nate1]

Indeed I am going to second that... but then again the newer pushbuttons dont have a hole in the floor or a design to accomidate that... do they?

 

[Doug]

my 97 did not have a whole for the manual t-case so i had to cut a hole not a real big deal. the floor panel i cut unbolts so you could get one from another truck that had a manual t-case. also i was thinking you'd have to make a bracket to go on the t-case to hold the linkage in place and then figure out how youre gonna run that up into the truck. i can think of ways to do it but what a headache it would be.

 

[sirforrest2]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. I think i can get the linkage , and how to fasten it and make it all work figured out. My buddy and i kinda know what we wanna do. I am just wondering what the computer is gonna do when the shifter motor is gone . Is there any sensors i need outta there or could i cut the wires to the motor and plug the few left back in the t-case. Im just wondering about the computer end now. I thought for sure there would be a kit for this. Thanks again ,Andy