I'd like to replace the switch I currently have to operate my transfer case with the stick coming through the floor.

I would assume it would be pretty straight forward conversion.

Have any of you done this?

Russ

 

I am almost certainthat you will need to get a stick-shift transfer case...the part number for the electric driven transfer case is different than the manual transfer case. I do not believe it is possible to modify the transfer case you have to a manual case.

 

Can I ask why? 99% of the failures associated with the ESOF system, is due to a vacuum leak. Very, and I mean VERY rarely is there actual trouble with the electrics or servo motor. Unless you just want to have a lever that bad. Otherwise you can just use the ESOF switch like a lever, and get out and lock in your hubs. But for what its worth, ill keep my lever.

 

Why? One less electrical component (shift motor) to fail.
I'm with Neal, you'll need a manual shift T-case.

 

The problem I have with that, is, would it be worth the trouble? Like I said, almost 99% of issues people have with the ESOF system is the vacuum lines. So if you are to use the ESOF like it was your lever, and get out and lock in your hubs manually, its just like a floor shift. However, more often then not, when you have ESOF you expect it to work, and dont want to get out to lock in your hubs. Whereas when you have a floor shifter you are forced to stop and lock in your hubs manually. The NV 273 transfercase (ESOF) has proven to be a really reliable platform. The manual shift transfercase is a NV 271. Hopefully that will help your search. I would dare to imagine it would require the tcase, shifter assemble, some cutting of the floor, and rubber boot assy to go around the shift lever.

Also, you will need to get the tcase from behind the same transmission, as the cases have a different spline count for the 6 speed manual NV5600(IIRC on the p/n), vs the 4 speed auto (4r100)

 

THis was talked about 6 months ago.. Another guy had just bought his truck and was going after it.. He promised it would happen, and he would show us how.. I never heard about it again..If I remember correctly, he had j7ust repo'd and wanted to keep it. but was having problems with his ESOF, and thought he would do a complete conversion..

 

I'm not saying its worth the trouble or not, just throwing the idea out there. So far so good for me with my ESOF. I will say this- I was nervous about it at first, but now I've become rather spoiled by it.

 

There is nothing vacuum operated on the transfercase, it is an electric motor that operates the transfercase. All you need to do is get a set of manual hubs then you have manual 4x4. Or turn the auto to lock, then you have manual 4x4.

 

Correct, and I should clarify what I said. When I say vacuum lines, I mean to the hubs. Like Rick said, no vacuum to the tcase itself.

 

Another way would be to disconnect the connection at the solenoid on the passenger firewall. That way no vacuum will be released to the hubs, then turn them to lock.

 

Well, just for the sake of discussion, what is the differences between the two transfer cases?

 

The reason I was wanting to switch over to a stick shift type setup is because most of the time when I go to put my truck in 4x4 using the switch on the dash, it takes FFE (for f'ing ever) to actually get into 4x4.

God forbid should I bet trying to get it into 4x4 low, that sometimes just plain will not work.

I have never had this problem in the past because I have always had a stick shift transfer case.

Plus, the more stick you have on the dog house, the cooler it looks .

Where are the mechanical components that actually make the electronic transfer case switch into and out of 4H and 4L? Maybe I'll have to dig into solving the problem by looking at those.

I have not plans to completely remove the transfer case. I had thought that the change would be as easy as removing a cover and installing the stick shifter through the floor.

R

 

Richard, Are you sure you are not confusing a transfer case issue with a hub vac system issue. The T-case shoud be a relatively instantaneous action. When you shift to 4-low (while in neutral of course) do you hear a clunk? That clunk is the T-case engaging. Being in 4wd requires both T-case and hub actuations. I've got a hunch you are actually experiencing a hub problem. Lots of threads on here about "ESOF leaks".

 

As far as the engagement of 4hi and 4 low goes... 4hi is almost always an instant on thing for me (though sometimes it does take a few seconds). For 4 low, you have to be in Neutral with your foot on the brake for it to engage.
I would venture to say that simply removing the elec. shift motor and poking a stick through the floor won't cut it- I highly doubt the stick mechanism attaches the same way as the electric motor.
Who has a manual floor shift 4x4 that will crawl under there and take a pic?

 

It is possible that I have not been using the proper method to get it into 4L.

I have been putting it in N, but not necessarily been applying the brake.

I'll go try it now and see if that was the problem.

Russ