Does a frame-off restoration (removal of the cab, specifically) require the floor-mounted 4wd selector to be removed?

[Amsterdamned96]

If you get underneath the truck and look up at the bottom of the shift lever you will see the linkage that people are mentioning.

Random internet image, (this may not be your exact tcase model), take that rod off the bottom of your interior's shift knob.

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I’ve seen the linkage for P N D on my 4l80e, but can’t get a feel for or an eye on the rod protruding from
case. I’ll try to find that rod that you’ve depicted and if not report my findings with a photo.

 

[Amsterdamned96]

Much ado about nothing, if you back the first bolt out of the lever the second will be allowed enough play to back out as well.
I happened to undo the rear bolt first then the other, this didnt allow the rear bolt sufficient leeway to back out.
No I still have to remove the lever on the bottom-end as it doesn’t seem to come out this way.

 

[Amsterdamned96]

I’ve come to the conclusion that the 4wd selector mechanism ought to be disconnected from below, there’s a linkage as shown on the drivetrain photo posted earlier.