So just wondering does anyone make some sort of kit to convert the transfer case into a manual shift with the stick on the floor instead of the unreliable **** shift on the dash and electric actuator on the side of the transfer case? Besides a Cresent wrench and crawling under it everything to engage the 4wd?

 

Yes. Wildhorse mfg makes one,
https://wildhorsemfg.com/index.php/n...onversion-kit/

There's also the get what you pay for version that can be bought on amzn & ebay for around $35-$100. It can be found by searching those sites for "Ford Superduty NP273 Transfercase Manual Shifter Conversion Kit".

I don't need it, so I have no experience with either. it's just on my list in case it ever comes up. There is a thread or 2 around here about DIYing one but I couldn't find it.

 

You don’t need it till you need it I’d recommend converting the 4x4 on the floor it’s one of the best features on my truck and was pumped when a buddy also got a 7.3 with it on the floor. Primary reason being when your in 4x4 and come up on a really tight turn you can pop it into 2WD hit the turn tighter than if it was in 4x4 than than pull it back into 4wd on the exit of the turn while in motion. If its one where you have to do a 3 point/50 point with the size of these trucks may be better to keep it in 4wd just depends on the conditions as there’s not help from momentum. Also sometimes I use 4x4 low on pavement in reverse (hubs not locked) to get a trailer where needed especially up a hill.

 

You make valid points... bumping it up on the list.

 

I use 4 Low when backing trailers, much better control, less throttle needed, and no surprises.

something happened to my '02 Excursion, the 4x4 switch is not doing anything.

last time I needed it, it refused to lock up in either range, hi or low.

I currently have a Vacuum issue though, would that kill it?

I thought I could just lock the hubs and flip the switch, but the Light never comes on.

 

Thanks for asking about this...I will need it one day when I get to my 76 F350 Crewcab Project. It has a 7.3, ZF6 converted to 4WD. I already have the electronic T-case and had to do something to it already. I was going to make my own kit but now I don't have to

 

I wrote them an Email asking if they made one for the 4R100

then I reread their webpage again,

We DO NOT make any adapters for Automatics .

 

The manual and electronic shift transfer case setups are monumentally different in just about every aspect. The main difference is the way the indicator lights in the instrument panel cluster are controlled and the wire harness. Going from an electric shift to manual shift will cause the lights to not illuminate even though the transfer case has shifted. This is because the manual transfer case has a physical switch that makes contact with dedicated circuits to turn on the lights. This can be overcome, but it will require the addition of dedicated wires run from the cluster to the transfer case (electric shift ones CAN be repurposed, but keep track of wire colors and write them down for the next poor soul who has to work on the vehicle).

The indicator lights for the electric shift transfer case are controlled by the GEM on <2001MY pickups/Excursions and by the dedicated 4x4 module on 2002-up units. The lights are only commanded to be illuminated when the module receives the correct voltage feedback from the transfer case motor encoder assembly - NOT when the dial on the dash is turned. There is no physical indicator wiring for the cluster lights from the transfer case or switch; the switch is an input to the module.

The module looks at the current voltage feedback to determine what range the transfer case is in. If the module is given a valid voltage value for a particular range, the module will supply 12V and ground to the transfer case motor brake and shift motor (polarity depends on which way the module thinks it needs to rotate the motor to get from "here" to "there") and stops the motor when the desired feedback voltage is detected. Once the desired voltage is reached, the module will command the indicator light for "4x4" or "Low Range" depending on the selected **** position.

The transfer case shift motor control is separate from any vacuum hub solenoid actuation in the electric shift version. By installing a manual transfer case without any associated wiring for the indicators or vacuum solenoid, the locking hubs will have to be manually turned for 4x4 (oh darn, a guy's gotta get out of a comfy seat.......:P ) because the GEM (or 4x4 module) won't know any different when it comes to transfer case mode or range.

 

Thank you for that explanation,


I have always got out and locked the hubs, before I put it in that mud hole

except on my 2001 Excursion, no hubs to switch on it.

 

I guess I don't understand. They make the kit that fits our transfercases, the other parts that bolt to the transmission are Ford parts. As I understood it, they don't make those parts and would have to be sourced separately...
Be interesting to see what they say if you get a reply.

 

That is a masterpiece!

 

It's got a long way to go. It's been sitting like this for several years. I really need to get to working on it. It's out at a buddies 30 minutes away. If I had everything I needed at home, it would probably at least be on the road.

Right now, I'm at a point where i need to cut out the firewall and weld in the superduty firewall/ tranny doghouse and make custom cab mounts. I at least need to cut out the firewall so I can get it slid forward into position so i can figure out the cab mounts.
Then, I can work on moving the rear axle forward, but I'll probably do what I can to get it running before I worry about the bed and rear axle.

Anyway...I love the pre 80's trucks but I grew up on the 73-79 series

 

I think it's awesome. The old man never had a truck newer than '76 so to me it's just the way a truck is supposed to look. Oh, how I miss vent windows.

 

couldn't agree with you more... I also have an old 73 camper special but doesn't have the super long wheelbase...Don't hit me, but i only bought it for parts for the 76. Going to use the front clip, doors and tailgate. Has a 460 in it..but that's going to my buddy for his 78/79 bronco. I was going to use the bed but I think the gold one currently on the frame is a better candidate.

The only other truck I like just as much is probably mid to late 60's with the teardrop wheel wells on the bed. But I could have a truck from ea generation not counting the 80's (didn't like any trucks that decade) and be pretty happy.

I grew up on a 74 F250 XLT Ranger 2wd 4spd when they had the true granny gears

Here's the 73...same year i was born going to be tough to take her apart








Here is what the 76 originally looked like






Here is my old 79 F150 I converted into a 350 but kept the 150 frame. This build has it's own story for another day

 

very nice rig can't wait to see it finished these are real trucks no plastic or automatic about them bad boys unlike all these new ones now the 4wd actuators going out when you get in a mud hole it wont lock in or the list goes on and on with the computerized problem crap.......