Swapping pushbutton 4 Wheel drive for Manual Lever
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Joined: Oct 2003
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Swapping pushbutton 4 Wheel drive for Manual Lever
I've got a 94 F-150 with autolocking hubs and push button on the dash for engaging the 4 wheel drive.
I'd like to switch to the manual-lever and install manual locking hubs. How much of a pain is this going to be. Thanks
chuck
I'd like to switch to the manual-lever and install manual locking hubs. How much of a pain is this going to be. Thanks
chuck
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
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From: Gulf Shores, AL
I do not think you want to do that. It is engaged by vacume valves so there is no where to put a shift lever. I am not a 100% sure on that but pretty sure. As far as manual hubs, install them, it will be one of the best mods you have ever made
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,301
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From: Dededo, Guam
The hubs are easy to do. It would take less than two hours to swap those.
The transfer case in electrically operated not vaccum. Just find a t-case on another 94 that was manual and get all of its parts. i.e. shifter handle, linkage, shifter boot and the t-case. Remove old transfer case and put in the manual one in its place. Pull back the carpet in your truck to get to the floorboard. On the left side of the transmission hump, there should be a knockout plate that is there where the shift handle should go. Knock out the plate, cut a hole in your carpet and install the shifer handle and boot. Go below and connect the linkage and you should be good to go. I don't know all the exact details since i have never swapped a t-case before. I believe i covered most of the big steps. Maybe someone here can fill in the missing details.
BTW You will like the maunual setup. I have manual every thing in my truck. Tranny, t-case, and hubs. I'm very happy with my setup.
The transfer case in electrically operated not vaccum. Just find a t-case on another 94 that was manual and get all of its parts. i.e. shifter handle, linkage, shifter boot and the t-case. Remove old transfer case and put in the manual one in its place. Pull back the carpet in your truck to get to the floorboard. On the left side of the transmission hump, there should be a knockout plate that is there where the shift handle should go. Knock out the plate, cut a hole in your carpet and install the shifer handle and boot. Go below and connect the linkage and you should be good to go. I don't know all the exact details since i have never swapped a t-case before. I believe i covered most of the big steps. Maybe someone here can fill in the missing details.
BTW You will like the maunual setup. I have manual every thing in my truck. Tranny, t-case, and hubs. I'm very happy with my setup.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 720
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From: South Dakota
I have changed the pushbutton t-case on my 93 F-150 to a manual. There is no knockout plate on the floor, but there is an outline where the hole should be, so it is easy to cut out. Also, you will need to wire up the 4X4 indicator switch on the transfer case if you have an automatic transmission. The transmission will not shift properly in low range if this is not connected. I connected two wires from the pushbutton control on the dash to the indicator switch after looking at wiring diagrams in a Haynes manual and it worked.
Good luck,this project is definitely worth the effort!
Good luck,this project is definitely worth the effort!
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Dededo, Guam
Thanks MJD, i didn't remember if it was a knock out plate or an outline cast in the floor board. Thanks for clarifying that for me. 
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: South Dakota
Sorry about the wait, ive been gone a few days. The wires go directly to the pushbutton switch on the dash. One of them is gray and the other is brown with a white stripe(i'm not completely sure because it was dark when I looked at it).
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 220
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From: Sierra Vista AZ
Hey Jr.
I have a 96 F150 XLT 4X4.
The truck has 31's now but I want to lift it so I can run 33's.
I plan on casual wheelin. I'm to old to climb rocks like my
son.
Which 3" body lift did you use?
Was there any space between the bumpers and body after you finished?
Thanks
Roland
I have a 96 F150 XLT 4X4.
The truck has 31's now but I want to lift it so I can run 33's.
I plan on casual wheelin. I'm to old to climb rocks like my
son.
Which 3" body lift did you use?
Was there any space between the bumpers and body after you finished?
Thanks
Roland
Originally posted by jrs_big_ford_f150
Anytime Chuck. Good luck with the swap. Let us know how it goes when you get one in.
Anytime Chuck. Good luck with the swap. Let us know how it goes when you get one in.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 986
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From: Gulf Shores, AL
You can put a 2.5" suspention lift from tough country on it for 260 bucks from JC Whitney. I did that and have no probs clearing 33s. This also allows you to run a frame mounted brushguard without it looking funny as it would with a body lift