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Frankie_G1's avatar
Frankie_G1
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013

Light duty 4 X4 pickups

I have found a need to change my 2002 Suzuki Vitara for a small pickup 4X4. Problem is I cannot find out what years most makers quit making transfer cases and switched to electric controls with no neutral setting. I am seeing only really old trucks with high mileage. I would appreciate any help

6 Replies

  • j-d's avatar
    j-d
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2013
    KD4UPL wrote:
    Pretty much all 4x4 vehicles have a transfer case. Some have a manual shift lever, some are electrically shifted. Even if electrically shifted I think most still have a neutral setting. My '01 Chevy does.


    But not all the Manual ones do. For example, the Nissan Frontier's manual TC has no Neutral, so the automatic transmission version isn't flat towable even though it's a 4x4. The 2WD manual is towed in Neutral, and the 4WD manual is Neutral with the TC in 2WD-High.
  • The_Texan's avatar
    The_Texan
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    All GM trucks with electronic controls have a N position and are flat towable. Ford Ranger needs a special kit installed, but the dealers have them and will install them, for a price. I am sure the Dodge Dakota can also be shifted into N and flat towed.
  • KD4UPL's avatar
    KD4UPL
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2013
    Pretty much all 4x4 vehicles have a transfer case. Some have a manual shift lever, some are electrically shifted. Even if electrically shifted I think most still have a neutral setting. My '01 Chevy does.
  • mpfireman's avatar
    mpfireman
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2013
    Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakoda, Chev , all made the smaller 4X4 trucks. Should not be hard to find one.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2013
    Nothing wrong with electronic control transfer cases. Heck most all 3/4 and one ton trucks use them now days. Last small truck I had a 2002 Dakoda was electronic. Before that the 89 Isuzu had manual shifting transfer case.

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