I've been looking online at 3rd gen trucks for a friend and I've noticed that some trucks have a floor shifter for the transfer case and other don't have one, but the ads say that they are 4x4.

So I was just wondering what thats all about? Did they have a electronic shift option or something? all the 4x4 ones I've been in personaly have the regular floor shift for the transfer case.

Yes there is a floor shift and an electronic shift. The knob will be belowe and to the left of the radio

I think they started offering the electric t-case shift option around 06-07 on the 3rd gens, never personally saw an 05 or earlier one with electric shift.

I do like the manual shift version, nothing beets being able to reach down and have instant 4X4 and not have to wait for 5-10 seconds for the newer electric system to engage or even the vacuum CAD systems of the second gens for that matter.

 

My 2010 1500 Hemi has double the electrics, has an electric actuator on both the front axle and t-case.

The 2003 Service manual has the electronic shift NV273 in it. I think it was a Laramie option in 2003+, and became more common on lower trims as time progressed.

When I "ordered" my '04.5, I could choose manual or automatic 4x4.  I chose manual.

Edited December 30, 201410 yr by dorkweed

Thanks for all the information guys! 

The 2003 Service manual has the electronic shift NV273 in it. I think it was a Laramie option in 2003+, and became more common on lower trims as time progressed.

Makes sense. seems the 06+ was more common by that time on lesser trim packages.

I timed mine today and it takes between 2-3 seconds to kick in

The 2003 Service manual has the electronic shift NV273 in it. I think it was a Laramie option in 2003+, and became more common on lower trims as time progressed.

My '05 Laramie has the electronic shift and has worked well since I've owned it.

 

My '00 has the manual shift on the floor but still some how uses vacuum to shift into gear.  I couldn't shift into 4x4 a few weeks back and found of vacuum hose was split.  Once fixed it shifted fine.

I timed mine today and it takes between 2-3 seconds to kick in

Your 06 I am assuming only has the t-case mounted shift actuator with the live front axle.

My 2010 1500 Hemi has an actuator on the t-case and it has an electronic actuated CAD on the passenger side axle right off the diff pretty much like GM has used for a long while now. Which is why it takes a bit longer to engage, better have it locked in long before you think you will need it and not as I used to and pull it in while I was plowing through the snow banks already with the mechanical shift 4X4's.