Transfer case question
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
I don't know the exact answer to that question, but I'm gonna say the odds are against you.
The NV271 (manual) and NV273 (ESOF) transfer cases are essentially identical, as near as I can tell. The difference is just in the shift control shaft. One is designed for a linkage, the other is designed for the shift motor/encoder.
What that all means, basically, is that if you're willing to pull the shift motor each time, you could probably put it in neutral. But the ESOF system in itself is never going to do it.
It's also entirely possible that there are additional differences in the transfer case, and that removing the shift motor isn't even going to help you.
What you probably need if you want to tow it often is a rear axle disconnect system. I suspect they are pretty expensive. Your only other option really is to get good at pulling a section of the rear drive shaft.
The NV271 (manual) and NV273 (ESOF) transfer cases are essentially identical, as near as I can tell. The difference is just in the shift control shaft. One is designed for a linkage, the other is designed for the shift motor/encoder.
What that all means, basically, is that if you're willing to pull the shift motor each time, you could probably put it in neutral. But the ESOF system in itself is never going to do it.
It's also entirely possible that there are additional differences in the transfer case, and that removing the shift motor isn't even going to help you.
What you probably need if you want to tow it often is a rear axle disconnect system. I suspect they are pretty expensive. Your only other option really is to get good at pulling a section of the rear drive shaft.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 1
From: NorCal
The NV271 (manual) and NV273 (ESOF) transfer cases are essentially identical, as near as I can tell. The difference is just in the shift control shaft. One is designed for a linkage, the other is designed for the shift motor/encoder.
What that all means, basically, is that if you're willing to pull the shift motor each time, you could probably put it in neutral. But the ESOF system in itself is never going to do it.
.
What that all means, basically, is that if you're willing to pull the shift motor each time, you could probably put it in neutral. But the ESOF system in itself is never going to do it.
.
Is there even a neutral position on th NV273?
I have heard that there is no way to put it in neutral at all.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
Either way, there is no way to do it electronically. It's either the maybe possibility of removing the shift motor, or some sort of rear drive shaft disconnect, or removing the rear drive shaft.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
I'm assuming you mean, what is the difference between 2wd and neutral on a manual transfer case. 2wd is 2wd. Neutral is neutral. Neutral is no connection between the input shaft and either output shafts. Freewheeling. Better have a good working parking brake. Etc.
Actually, way back I had a tow truck guy tell me that you didn't want to tow even a manual transfer case 4 wheels down in neutral. You always wanted to pull the drive shaft. That they still had a pump driven by the input shaft, and in neutral the transfer case wouldn't get proper lubrication. This was on my Dad's '96. I know both the NV 271 and 273 have oil pumps, cause I've seen them in the diagrams. However I'm suspicious of his claims. It seems to me the pump would probably be driven regardless of the gear selection. He probably just wanted the extra charge for pulling the drive shaft. Dunno.
Actually, way back I had a tow truck guy tell me that you didn't want to tow even a manual transfer case 4 wheels down in neutral. You always wanted to pull the drive shaft. That they still had a pump driven by the input shaft, and in neutral the transfer case wouldn't get proper lubrication. This was on my Dad's '96. I know both the NV 271 and 273 have oil pumps, cause I've seen them in the diagrams. However I'm suspicious of his claims. It seems to me the pump would probably be driven regardless of the gear selection. He probably just wanted the extra charge for pulling the drive shaft. Dunno.
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
Oh ok. So if thr transmission was in neutral, there would still be a connection to the wheels?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2006
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Yes. Only a manual transfer case will disconnect the drive shaft from the trans. If you have ESOF, you will have to keep the switch in 2wd, & unbolt the rear drive shaft if going over 50 miles or 35 mph.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
On a manual transfer case, if you put the case in neutral, there is no connection between the transmission and the wheels, at all, front or rear.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
The last time I looked at diagrams, I did notice some differences in the innards and parts lists between the 271 and 273.... There are some extra synchronizer parts in the 273. Would that make a difference in towability (assuming you figured out a way to select a neutral with 273)? I don't know.
Yes, there is a pump in the 271, but since it is on the OUTPUT shaft, I believe it still functions if truck is towed 4 down and in neutral.
http://www.drivetrain.com/images/sto...awing_list.jpg
Yes, there is a pump in the 271, but since it is on the OUTPUT shaft, I believe it still functions if truck is towed 4 down and in neutral.
http://www.drivetrain.com/images/sto...awing_list.jpg
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 8,180
Likes: 669
From: Scio, OR
The last time I looked at diagrams, I did notice some differences in the innards and parts lists between the 271 and 273.... There are some extra synchronizer parts in the 273. Would that make a difference in towability (assuming you figured out a way to select a neutral with 273)? I don't know.
Yes, there is a pump in the 271, but since it is on the OUTPUT shaft, I believe it still functions if truck is towed 4 down and in neutral.
http://www.drivetrain.com/images/sto...awing_list.jpg
Yes, there is a pump in the 271, but since it is on the OUTPUT shaft, I believe it still functions if truck is towed 4 down and in neutral.
http://www.drivetrain.com/images/sto...awing_list.jpg
And yeah, I figured that tow truck dude was full of it.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
There would still be a connection between the rear wheels and the output shaft of the transmission. The output shaft would be spinning, but the fluid pump for the transmission is on the input shaft which would not be spinning - so no fluid being pumped. Eventually, the bearings on the output shaft would not have enough lubrication to survive.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 26,007
Likes: 575
From: Brentwood,CA
BINGO!!!!!! The pump will not turn in these T cases in neutral. You either want to drop the drivelines or look into a drive shaft disconnect.
Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,564
Likes: 11
From: Wayyy NoCal, USA
Take a look at the diagram I linked. Item 51 is the pump, and it looks like it has to be driven by output shaft.
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