drdave81

It also looks like........ from comparing part numbers online for replacement parts......... the front driveshaft in the truck currently will work with the NP149 transfer case, it should be the same length at 37.5".

arthursc2

iTrader: (5)

Buddy I am pretty sure it needs 12v ign on to stay locked. Play around with it to be sure, I don't want anything to melt on my behalf- its been a long minute since I was in there, but I think there is a spring that helps return CAD to the open position, so if you remove power, CAD will try to open via the spring

1redta

there is an actuator cable available that is manual you can swap out

smokinlmm

Actuator has to have constant 12 volt power or it will retract. That’s why if you blow a fuse no 4x4.

drdave81

Perfect, that's what I needed to know. Thanks!!!

drdave81

I also found there are some ways to DIY an "actuator eliminator". Basically, you take the actuator out, put something in there (people have used sockets, PVC, etc) to push the shift fork and move the collar into place, then reinstall the actuator to hold it in place permanently. Not sure I'll be sticking a piece of PVC in there, but I can fab up something. Beats buying the eliminator kit, which is basically a $175 bolt!!!

drdave81

Little update on this. I haven't swapped the case yet, but I did confirm that once the front axle actuator is engaged (pressed the 4hi button) and then the wire connector is pulled, it will stay locked in. I removed the front driveshaft and drove around the neighborhood and back, it stayed the whole time. So it seems it does not require a constant 12V feed to stay actuated.

smokinlmm

Ok that’s nice to know. I wonder what disengages when you blow the fuse? Now I want to know. Lol

I wonder how it retracts? Does the polarity switch? I thought it was spring actuated.

drdave81

From what I can see in there, the shift fork is spring loaded. The actuator drives a shaft out and pushes on the fork, locking the axles. I also found a couple youtube videos on tear downs of these axles to get a better idea of the internal functions of it. I still may plug it back in, shift it back to 2wd and then stick something in there to block it permanently, so there's no chance of the actuator backing off over time. Maybe it wouldn't ever, but it'll be like $5 for piece of mind.