transfer case question

[apkole]

Looking at ordering new truck. When I ordered our '99 CTD I spec'd the HD transfer case. Salesman today says no such thing available - either the 271 shift stick or the 273 electronic. Anyone know for certain if either is heavier than the other?



Andy

 

[Mathew Clausen]

Same thing internally. One has a servomotor to operate the shaft, one has a stick in the cab. The 271/273 is heavier and rated higher than either of the old 241's.



Not much to go wrong anymore - the front axle is always turning.



Mathew

 

[apkole]

Thanks for the info Mathew. I suddenly found myself without a truck payment last fall, so am trying to remedy the situation. I've found that may dealer is quite willing to help me with this dilemma.



Andy

 

[FM]

How bout I just send you mine?

 

[KL]

I drove a Chevy Trailblazer at work today which had the electronic shift. I'm not sure if Chevy puts a New Venture or other brand transfer case in these. Because it was very icy on the back roads I was going between 2wd and 4wd a lot. I had shifter from 4wd to 2wd. But the lights for 4L and 2H were on simultaneously. It sounded funny, but you could not tell for sure. So I stopped and moved the switch back and forth and it finally went into 2wd. I have a shift lever in my CTD and I think I will stay with a lever in any future vehicle. At least you can tell which mode you are in by the position of the lever. KL

 

[dnitzel]

I find the 271 to shift very nicely! No delay, instant shift, no guessing if it's "in" with a axle disconnect, kinda' like my '95 Jeep was with it's xfer case. For me, the position of the 2h to 4h shift is PERFECT on my 48RE, no bending over, easier than operating the HVAC controls or radio.

 

[Rosco]

apkole, you are a snowplower like myself. The #1 thing I want in a new truck is a lever transfer case. For "Joe Dodge ram" electronic shift is sweet, but if I get to a plow job at 3 am and my switch shorts out or my servo motor quits I have big headaches. With the lack of the CAD on the front axle and a lever for 4WD you pretty much can rest easy in the traction depatment.



Also, I found the new t-case shifts easier than my 241hd in my '01 ram.

 

[apkole]

FM - Wassup with that? I make your payment, and you drive the truck? I don't THINK SO! Hehe.



Rosco - - Exactly. I still really like the lockouts on my '91 CTD. And everything on that truck has a grease fitting. With over 100k on the '99 am holding my breath for the first night I have to plow and the vacuum moter fails to engage. Don't know that I will set this one up with plows to start. Want to use it to tow TT and haul grandkids to the campground for some fun. However, since I haven't made my 1st million yet, will probably have to put this truck to work as well.



Andy

 

[Rosco]

Considering the electric t-case is a $$$$$ option, the old lever is just cheap insurance.

 

[FM]

apkole yea that was my basic suggestion. Boy, ya try to help some people. haha



Auto vs manual transfer is kinda like the argument auto vs std. trans or auto vs revolver. One side likes one and one side likes the other and both sides knows beyond a shadow of doubt the other sides nuts. Me I like revolvers. They either work or they don't. No jams. No sometimes work. Just reliable and dependable. Seems like detroit is always trying to gaget up trucks with electric this and solinoid that. They should just stick to the KISS principle IMHO. Could be I'm a wingnut, just ask my boss, but this will be my first truck w/ power windows, locks, or mirrors. I drew the line at the drive train. Had a bad experience once with an old cheby electric 2 spd diff.