My t-case was diagnosed with a shift fork failure, a common problem on the early 271-273 NVG t-cases due to oiling issues. (it won't hold low range or go in low sometimes)

Found a manual NVG271 with the updated rail with 55k on it for $300.00. I want to put this manual t-case in place of the ESOF NVG273 that is currently in the truck.

I know this is not a common deal with this new of a truck but has anyone done this?

The old Ford ESOF used to be independent of the engine management controls with it's own control module between the dash swith and the t-case, is this still the case? If so I think all I need to do is remove the switch and ESOF control module, remove and plug the vacuum lines to the hubs, and cut a hole in the floor for the shifter.

If anyone has done this swap or has any insight into the way it is hooked up please let me know. I want to seal the deal on the case but don't want to be stuck with it if it won't work.

Thanks!

 

It sounds like it should work. keep us informed.

 

Yeah, talked to a Ford tech and he told me they are the same as the old stuff, just un-plug the shift motor wiring and either leave or remove, I plan to leave it just in case. Told me the hole for the shifter was already factory cut and plated, just need to remove the plate. Have to grab some "goofy bolt", as he described it, that holds the linkage next to the tranny as well.

Does the manual shift equipped trucks have an indicator light in the dash for 4x4? That may be one PITA but no big deal.

Either way I ended up getting the case for $300. It is on a '00 F-350 that I am grabbing other stuff off of as well, including a new cupholder to get rid of this '99 pile of junk!

Hope to swap it this weekend if all goes well. Can't wait to have a real t-case lever, ESOF has always bugged me, turning a dial just doesn't seem right!

 

Yeah the light is in the guage cluster. With out looking I think there is one for 4x4 and low.

 

Cool, thanks for the heads up. The ESOF has the dash lights so there must be a feedback wire from the manual lever, I'll be sure to not cut it.

I am helping pull it tonight so I can take pics of the way it is installed and get ALL the extras it may need.

 

Is the light in the dash activated by the shifter or is it activated by the case going into 4x4? If it's the latter then it should still work?? Are there wires coming out of the non esof case? That would probably tell you.

I think my boss's truck will not light up the lo light even when you put it in lo if it does not go in. Don't quote me because it's been a while but the first time he used it he didn't put it in neutral and it went into 4x4 but not lo range and it seems like only the 4x4 light came on.

I'm sure anyone with esof could test this for you real quick. I don't have it on mine or I would.