Elec-manual flex shaft or push pull

[pjtoledo]

Are such t-cases actually out there?

not exactly for Rangers.
the NP203 in older F150s & Broncos is full time 4 wheel drive, is lockable and has hi & low ranges. its also bigger and heavier that a 1354

 

[pjtoledo]

Sort of. There are permanent 4wd options that give you similar features (sometimes labeled as 'Automatic 4x4' or similar.

PJToledo - how is a 4x4 in 2wd worse than a 2wd?

in low traction conditions every bit of traction counts. the extra drag of the front drive train is enough to make a noticeable difference at the rear. I've had the 2000 since new, been 6 or 7 different sets of tires on it and all acted similar.