Another option is a cable attached to a lever in the cab, as in this example from GBR:
http://www.greatbasinrovers.com/cs_drivetrain_transfer%20case.html#cdl
Scroll down the page to where it says CDL Kits.
I have been speaking to an engineer friend and he says that the smoothest simplest operation will be a cable system. I am slowly working on something in this line, I have other more pressing problems to work on at the moment. But basically get a tranny shifter cable from anything and hook that up to a lever in the cab and on the transfer case.

 

Hey guys I don't mean to hijack but will a 99 CDL be compatible with a 2003 D2? I know a guy that's parting out a 99 D2.

Thanks

 

Yup..but keep your 03 TC. It has improvements that are desirable. Just take the output housing off the 99 and that means you don't have to pull that 100 pound TC. Do a search and you will find the instructions.

 

I have looked at the Great Basin also just not real keen on that shifter. I do agree cable operated with lever is the way to go.