Transfer case question...
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 186
From: Lakeland, MN
The 271 and 273 both use the same case adapter and driveshafts. The hole for the shifter is already in the floor just covered over. Its all just a unbolt and bolt up situation. The 273 uses different shift forks internal and has a different stud sticking out of the case, i.e. you can't just get the shift motor out of the way and convert it to a manual shift with all the external stock parts. I don't think the shift "area" is in the same spot either. Both are equally tough, its just the shift motor and its wiring that are the weak points. If mice and stupid electrical issues didn't hinder it the 273 would be great.
Always convert the front hubs to manual hubs, those are impossible to bulletproof with the dumb vacuum system, a manual lock out, 99.99% reliable. Take them apart when you get them, slather them with synthetic grease so the shuttle will slide like a dream, and slap em on, never have to wonder if the hubs are locked or not, the snap when you roll forward tells you they're locked tight! Once you've seen 1 manual hub taken apart you can do any manual hub (housing, retaining ring, ramp surface, spring, sliding shuttle, that's it, stupid simple)
Always convert the front hubs to manual hubs, those are impossible to bulletproof with the dumb vacuum system, a manual lock out, 99.99% reliable. Take them apart when you get them, slather them with synthetic grease so the shuttle will slide like a dream, and slap em on, never have to wonder if the hubs are locked or not, the snap when you roll forward tells you they're locked tight! Once you've seen 1 manual hub taken apart you can do any manual hub (housing, retaining ring, ramp surface, spring, sliding shuttle, that's it, stupid simple)
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FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
Most owners faced with this problem just install aftermarket manual hubs and leave the electric shifted T/C alone. The Transfer Case isn't the weakest link in the ESOF chain, the hubs are.
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Tuned
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 348
Likes: 137
I haven't done it, but it has been done with some custom fab work. As was mentioned before, the cutout in the floor is there but the linkage won't match up without some custom fabrication. You may find it easier to check the transfer case shift motor and replace it if necessary. I had to do mine 12 years ago and it was surprisingly simple and inexpensive. If the motor isnt working, the issue may be with the dash switch or another electrical gremlin.
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