So I have the manual shifter for the transfer case on my automatic 98 and it works just fine...question is, what's the difference between it and the switched version. Different part numbers or just the switching mechanisms?

Also, is it possible to upgrade to the switched version? I don't mind the shifter, but if I can free up a little room there, I'm all for it.

 

Not worth it, IMO. You would have to swap the GEM as well. The manual case is more dependable anyway. It is indeed a different case than the ESOF case. There is no place to mount the shift motor... and some internal stuff too.

 

Thanks...figured as much. Not a big issue actually...just planning out my switch panel/mini console setup...

Thinking my switch panel will be flush mount where the power port is (has two USB and a cigarette port in it already)and then I'll make a small pedestal console with the outer edge of the stock cupholder as the full depth of the unit with a mild flareout at the base to allow for a door panel access to the fuse block/relay mount I'm installing for the accessories there. Will try to keep it low profile so my lady can still slide across and tuck in...love the 40/60 for that, which is why I didn't go full buckets.

So on the left side of the climate controls will be the switch panel flush, with the rightmost edge of the transfer case shifter being the edge of the flared base, allowing a few inches of play as it tapers up to allow for shifting the transfer case(if I didn't have the shifter there it would have been extended across and a small storage shelf would have been there for my cell/random crap.)

Will frame out in mdf and cover with black vinyl with abs faceplates, which I will cut out of an old storage tub lid and heat gun mold into shape around the stock cupholder as a one piece unit, and then cover with a vinyl overlay (haven't decided on the pattern for that as yet...probably carbon fiber because it's more forgiving on complex forms)