Twin Vs Single Stick Transfer Case

Is there an advantage to one over the other?
Can the shift type be swapped on a transfer case?

 

Basically the only difference is the D18 twin stick allows for 2WD low range if the shift interlock (pill) is removed.
The D18 transfer case must be removed from Jeep to install twin stick parts on a single stick transfer case.

 

The twin stick is a lot easier to shift. The single stick is way up under the dash and hard to reach from the drivers seat.
The parts can be interchanged but it requires complete disassembly of the transfer case.

 

2 low can be handy, I like having that ability.

 

You can flat tow a twin stick in 2wd neutral. Single stick has 4wd neutral so you must have the hubs unlocked.
2wd low is incredibly useful when backing up trailers.
Yes the twin shifters are in a much better location. Think about reaching to a cup holder vs the floor.
It's also in and out, low neutral or high. Everything is really clear as to what position it is in. The single stick positions are: up, almost up, not quite up, and maybe on the floor.

You can change them, but it's something to do during a rebuild. You need a complete disassemble and the front retainer and shift rails are different.

 

Introductions | ECJ5 (earlycj5.com)

If you're tall, the reach for the single stick isn't that bad.
I considered the twin stick swap during my transfer case overhaul, but decided the single stick was fine for me.

 

I did the swap . for nothing but the Cool factor
but 2WD low out on street just to see how slow you can go

 

I much prefer the twin stick but the single stick functions well. As noted 2 low is handy, especially on rocky trails where you don't need 4x4, just slow speed. That said, I doubt I would go to the work to pull the case just for that swap. If the case needed to be rebuilt, absolutely convert it.

In my experience, the single stick shifters tend to wear/rattle more than the twin stick version, at least if the latter has functioning anti-rattle clips.

 

Obligatory Unimog center console picture:

 

Someone needs to build...
Sm465.
Doubler
Twin stick 18
Overdrive
Twin stick pto
3 point lift
Lift and angle Snow plow...
That's 10
Front and rear ox lockers with manual controls?
Cutting brakes...
Remotes for a powered trailer because it has a d18 and pto.
Another remote for the 2nd powered trailer powered by the 1st trailer pto. But the 2nd trailer has a rear pto winch.

 

To @LSwanson448 I had a single stick D20 in my CJ5. The plastic sockets were worn and the shifting was like a stick in a bucket of nuts and bolts. I bolted on a JB Fabrication twin stick and have never looked back.

https://jb-custom-fabrication.myshopify.com/

 

And the directions are written in German. Try to figure that out on the fly.

Dave

 

These are nice, except no support for the Dana 18 case.

 

If you wheel a lot and have a non selectable locker or tight ls in the front, the in/ out ability is nice for making tight/ multi point turns.

 

I have a Bench seat in my Tux, so the single stick is better for leg room. I have a twin stick out of a 64 CJ5 that I got with my Jeep. The PO bought another 64 for the motor after he ran his stock motor out of oil, got a hole in the the oil pan when one of the spot welds broke on the armor plate.

 

I think the Tux was the 1st CJ to get the single stick tcase, for that exact reason, but I never understood why the V6 CJ's got the single stick. I have quite a bit of driving time with both styles & much prefer the twin stick.

 

I did it so I can run 2wd low and still steer with lockers at both ends..

 

I guess im the odd one that prefers the single stick. Mine shift great and they are less confusing. I just dont shift my 2a out of 4 low enough to remember the pattern.