I bought 2000 chevy silverado with "SERVICE 4WD" on all the time, and I'm already have manual transfer case and floor shifter, I'm Not sure if this idea has been tested, but I was curious if anyone might have done converting their push button 4WD to manual.
I was thinking if I put a manual transfer case in with a shifter, but can I wire the front axle actuator to a switch, it seems like it might work. I know I would have "SERVICE 4WD" on all the time since the BCM wouldn't have any communication, but that message is on all the time now

anyway! Any thoughts?

 

can be done. the switch is part of the the manual tcase.... has a 4wd switch that closes when the shift lever is put in 4wd....this actuates the front axle solenoid and tells the pcm the truck is in 4wd.
a dealer should be able to change the programming to recognize the tccm is no longer present and shut off the message.

 

Since you likely want to go manual for more reliability, I'd ditch the actuator as well and go to a cable lock.