No problem at all!

 

Well, I guess my '03 must be a very early one too because it turns out I have the older type plate as well. Damn. I was hoping that I wouldn't have to cut it to fit now that I've installed the locking t-case from my '99 parts truck.

 

I’ve none this job and I also have a 2000. Couple myths have been presented here:

First you don’t need a SLABS from the donor truck. I did mine with the same linkage you are using and there is absolutely no electrical connection involved in this swap. NONE. Install the new linkage and shift, that’s it. My three amigos have never popped. Only unfamiliar thing you see is the transfer case lock light will illuminate.

Second, using a Dremel to cut a bigger hole in the plate will not work. Sure if you have 10,000 of those puny cutting wheels and about 5 years you will be halfway there. I used a full size Dewalt grinder to shave off the rivets and cut a bigger opening for the shift lever, zipped right through it.


One poster did offer good advice though, using sheet metal screws to reinstall your modified plate is the way to go for sure, I did the same thing. Just be sure to get a good bead of RTV under there to seal it up really well.

Good luck, man. It looks like an intimidating job to the uninitiated but it’s really not bad if you have the right tools and information.

 

• Nobody is saying that you NEED to replace the SLABS. It is being suggested/recommended as an upgrade because of the improvements in ABS mapping and it avoids an error condition when you start the truck with the CDL locked.
• There MAY be an electrical connection to make, depending on the exact wiring present in the truck. Installing the shifter from a D1 does not require any electrical connection, as there is no wiring going to the shifter handle. The shifter handle from a 2004 D2 DOES have an electrical connection for the lockout solenoid. The user may or may not want/need to work around that item.