I recently purchased a locking transfer case to install in my 03. With the scarcity and expense of 04 shifters and the d1 shifters being no picnic to find and modify, I was wondering about other options. Some kind of electric actuator for push button control would be nice, any one know of this being done? I even though about rigging up a windshield wiper motor if I can figure out reversing and set stops for its range of motion. Any other ideas out there?

 

Someone used to make a pneumatically actuated one. Either the company went out of business or they just stopped selling them. The most reliable set up is the stock one from an 04. The most reliable push button set up will be an air actuated one because of the location. I am thinking about making one I just need to sit down and design it. I don't think you want a motor in a place where it will be submerged in water.

Some videos on the shifter.

 

Thanks I was thinking about something like this, just remove ball valve and adapt to the locking stub
electric ball valve | eBay

 

I like that idea, the actuator is probably designed to be fairly water resistant as well.

 

Was thinking more about the ball valve actuator. Those turn 90 degrees, the t-case only turns about 45 or so.

 

very true. not sure what it does if it encounters resistance before achieving full range

 

Until I tracked down an affordable full D1 linkage, I made up an arrangement with a short arm on the CDL nipple and a rod attached at 90 degrees to that arm which ran between the chassis and body under the front passenger seat. I could then pull the rid from outside the car to lock and unlock the CDL.

No photos, sorry.

It would have been no fun in muddy conditions but on the sand here it was OK

 

This would make some good reading:

D2BC.co.uk ? Login

 

DISCO MIKE had an Electric setup from "down under" , which was basicaly a modified power window motor.

 

I like the window motor idea, just wonder about weather proofing it.