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NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Tue Dec 18, 2012 1:48 pm
by LiftedAWDAstro
I want/need a true transfer case with low range so I decided to go with a NP233. Initially I wanted to use all the electronics and wire it in all proper like. After messing with and trying to figure out the wiring as none of the diagrams I found were the same, I decided to convert to manual shift. The reason I went with a 233 instead of a 231 is that all the 231's I have seen pics of have a yoke on the front output and with the 233, the stock drive shafts will fit with no mods.

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Pulled the shift motor/encoder off...

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 1:03 am
by LiftedAWDAstro
Just for future reference on installing a low range switch for the PCM.

ASV link

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:44 am
by LiftedAWDAstro
Started making the shifter pivot bushing assembly. I also ordered a cable and a couple rod end clevises for the cable. Going with cable shifted just like I did the SPB. It worked well and makes for only a single hole drilled through the floor.

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This shoulder bolt will be bolted to the seat frame and have a shifter handle and cable linkage arm welded to it.

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2012 3:08 pm
by potskie
You can always use a 231 later....... they are better for doubling anyways :whistle:


Is this the start of the monster that I'm sure next year at some point I will see on the front of PBB and a vid on the powerblock?

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 3:44 am
by LiftedAWDAstro
No plans for a doubler or for a SAS or any type of wheeling. I am hoping to lift it next spring but we'll see. My money is better spent these days on paying down our debt.

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Thu Dec 20, 2012 11:18 am
by LiftedAWDAstro
Got my cable and clevis rod ends today! 1 day shipping from McMaster-Carr! The cable is stock number 1338K21 and the clevises are stock number 1583K12.

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 10:53 am
by LiftedAWDAstro
Got a couple things done today...

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:45 am
by photo_van
Looks good, and the bonus is you probably can sell the module for the cost of the TC!

Gotta say I was disappointed you didn't go with the 242, but if a 233 would have been a no driveline mod to my '98 it would have been hard to resist.

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 4:21 pm
by mdmead
Very cool!

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 4:32 pm
by LiftedAWDAstro
The 242 would have been nice but I didn't want to spend the cash on the adapter and then modify the drive shafts. Hopefully I can build the rest of the cable mount and the shifter tomorrow.

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 12:08 pm
by LiftedAWDAstro
Got the mount and shifter done! Gonna paint them Christmas while I am at work and will install the next week when I am off.

Welded up the cable mount...

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Added the cable...

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Finished the shifter...

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Yeah, yeah...I know the van is a mess! :D Been raining here for a few weeks so there is a lot of dirt and mud in the van. Next nice day it'll at least get vacuumed out.

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 2:49 pm
by Astrophysics
That is a great design. I plan to copy your idea for my 2003 AWD Astro next summer.

Thanks for great photos.

Astrophysics

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 2:58 pm
by LiftedAWDAstro
Go ahead and copy it! :supz: The hardest part (for me) is going to be pulling up the carpet so I can drill through the floor and mount the cable and then get the carpet back down and looking good.

Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 3:19 pm
by photo_van
you may be able to save yourself a lot of trouble by just mounting through the carpet and use a cover plate. Slightly different application in the photo, but I screwed the mount under the floor.I really didn't want to pull up the carpet!
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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 3:33 pm
by LiftedAWDAstro
I did that with the SPB and it worked good. I may do the same this time as the trim moulding screws are pretty rusty from salt.