BII/2nd Gen Ranger T-Case Question

[DirtBronco]

Is it normal to have the e-selector button tray on the dash in tandem with a manual transfer case lever?
The buttons are blank, no 4x4/Low written on them, but there's have a noticeable click when I press them.

From what I've seen on junkyard Rangers, there's usually a fake vent that goes there.
There's also no feeling in the shift when I move the lever and the 4WD does not engage.

Additional info, I've got manual hubs, FM146, and a non-functioning speedometer.
It does not appear to be the dummy case.

 

[SenorNoob]

Sounds like somebody has been mix-and-matching at the junkyard.

 

[DirtBronco]

To follow-up:
Ford did in fact put blank t-case buttons in some Broncos and possibly Rangers.
Went to the junkyard today and found a 4WD BII with the panel instead of the fake vent. No writing, no lightbulbs, but it did have connectors behind the buttons.
Does have good potential for OEM-looking locker/light switches without punching holes in the dash.

 

[Shran]

That's weird, I've never seen dummy buttons before. Just the fake vent or functional buttons.

I used that spot for switches. You're right, it's a great spot. I glued in a piece of black plastic and drilled holes in that. I did the same thing where the ashtray is located.

 

[DirtBronco]

I know right? Ford had to clear inventory with the dummy t-case, I guess they did with other parts as well.
That's a cool looking mod. I was thinking of something similar, maybe a hidden switch in place of the pop up cigarette lighter.

 

[turbo91xlt]

I would love to see some good pictures of said dummy switchs!

 

[DirtBronco]

I would love to see some good pictures of said dummy switchs!

I took a razor blade to the button to see if there was originally an "on-the-fly" that's painted over.
Nope! Definitely wiring something into those slots. P38 Rover style air lift came to mind.

 

[DirtBronco]

Well... this is mildly embarrassing...
In process of pulling the dash and found this little guy.

More dummy t-case nonsense?

 

[Curious Hound]

Well... this is mildly embarrassing...
In process of pulling the dash and found this little guy.
View attachment 52964
More dummy t-case nonsense?

Not really. They often used the same wiring harness for vehicles with different options and just left the extra connectors clipped into little brackets to hold them in place. Unused fog light wiring is another common find.

 

[wildbill23c]

Someone's been swapping parts and pieces around hacking things together to get working 4WD. Hate when people do stuff like that it only leads to a nightmare hack wiring system to try and figure out in the future usually after the previous owner gave up on their own mess the next owner has to figure it out.

 

[DirtBronco]

So in order to swap back to the e-shift, should I be able to get away with snagging the electric motor? Seeing as I have the t-case, dash switches, and wiring behind it?
What all else would be left?

 

[Curious Hound]

So in order to swap back to the e-shift, should I be able to get away with snagging the electric motor? Seeing as I have the t-case, dash switches, and wiring behind it?
What all else would be left?

The control box. Do you have the electric transfer case with the motor on it?

 

[DirtBronco]

Given all the hackery, its a fair bet the current case doesn’t have a motor in it. I’ll crack it open when the chassis is separated to confirm.

Where is the control box located?

 

[Curious Hound]

The transfer case motor would be on the outside. If you have a manual shifter to shift it, then it does not have the motor for electric shift. You would need a different transfer case.

Not sure where the control box would be in your truck. Mine is behind the driver seat.

I'm not sure there is as much "hackery" as you think there is. We have explained that the extra electrical connectors, dummy button panels, etc. Are common. In vehicles of that Era, it was easier and cheaper to manufacture one wiring harness that included wires and connectors for almost every possible accessory and install that harness in every vehicle. Then, accessories and features were either installed or omitted as necessary per the build sheet for that particular vehicle. The wiring already installed. Need fog lights? Install the lights, switch and relay. Voila! Fog lights.

Check out this article in the tech library.

 

[DirtBronco]

@ericbphoto This look like it?