Dana 18 Single Stick to Twin Stick Conversion

Re: Where to find the Dana 18 dual shifter levers

does anyone out there now how to switch a single lever to a dual? I imagine just replacing the single with a dual type lever system.

 

Re: Where to find the Dana 18 dual shifter levers

Key thing for the original poster to understand here is that the D18 came in various types... one was a single-shift with a pattern like 2H-N-2L-4L, and the other was a twin-stick with one lever for Low/Hi and one lever for 2/4wd.

The front of the case, on the side with the front axle output and shift rails, is different from the 2-stick and the 1-stick design. If your tcase is a 1-stick design, you need the 1-stick parts, or if your tcase is a 2-stick design you need the 2-stick parts. If you want to convert from one to the other, you need the front bearing/shifter housing for the kind you want to use.

I converted mine to 2-stick years back..

 

Umm, the cases are identical on the 18 other than large hole or small hole and intermediate shaft diameter. No different case for the single stick to the twin stick. The front output housing is indeed different as are the shift rails, sticks, anti rattle clips, etc. Nickmil

 

I did this when I put the CJ-5 drivetrain in my 2A. If you already have the twin-stick parts it is simple. Probably would want to replace at least the output seal. Look at this from Novak to see what is involved:
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge/transfer_case_article.htm

 

Other than 2 wheel low, what are the other benefits to the twin stick set up?

 

Nostalgia

 

Oh boy is this statement ever true!!

 

Twin stick shifting is much more positive feeling. I didn't care for the slopiness in the single shifter setup. It's nice to have 2wd low also. Especially with a locked rear.

 

the main deal and reason that I want to change to a twin stick is because I am a little round in the middle so you would say. and it is hard to reach down and grab the shifter. and sometimes it gets bound up and I need to shift from 4hi to 4lo. from what I seen on the differences between mine was just the levers. a buddy had a twin stick dana 18 and it looked the same. so all I thought I needed to do is get the twin stick for on it and that was it.

 

http://www.r-p4wd.com/
click on transfer cases. It is hard to beat that price.

 

So that I understand completely. The Dana 18 with the single stick can be converted to dual stick not matter what. One of the previous posts mentioned there being (2) types of housings. I also want to convert to dual sticks and also find a overdrive. Having (4) shifters would be very impressive... LOL.. I am in the process of rebuilding a 71 CJ5.http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f8/1971-cj5-dorothy-1122276/ Sorry OP not trying to hijack, but this is one of the questions that was coming up next for me

 

Yes, the front output housings are different from single stick to the twin stick. The single stick housing has no provision to mount the shifters as the shift lever mounted to a pivot on the bellhousing to transmission adapter. The shift rails are different and you will need the pivot pin, lock bolt, zerk fitting, anti rattle clips, knobs, shift levers, etc. The detent balls and springs, yokes, bearings, etc. are the same between the two.

The poster who said all that was different was the shifter is incorrect.

 

Nickmil
Based on what you said it appears the kit for sell on the above website has all parts needed for conversion. It looks to have sticks, housing, etc... Thanks for the help.

 

I will second several comments made earlier. First, reaching over to operated the single lever is practically impossible. 2WD Low is very handy for tight, windy trails with a rear locker. Main case is the same, front output casting differs. I would also agree the R&P dual conversion kit is a good value.


Not sure why the shift rails need to be different. I made my own twin shifter without changing the front output casting or the shift rails. Only removed the position limiting "pill". Oh, and yea since I made my own shift levers they are nice and long, just to the right of the overdrive.

 

This might sound dumb but with my single stick set up I have always thought I had 2 wheel low range. Just don't lock the front hubs. Is that wrong??

Peter

 

Very nice set up!

The shift rails don't "need" to be different as you've shown, but the factory shift rails are different. The length is different and they have a vertical notch in the end of the rail instead of holes. The factory shifters just sit in the notches.
If you are running a transmission without the bellhousing it is somewhat harder to mount the pivot for the shifters. The twin stick conversion can be done using factory pieces that require almost no fab work. Not everyone has the capability or resources to build something like that so a kit or sourcing the factory pieces is a viable alternative for them.

 

hey cj joe
oustanding fab job ! regarding single stick shifter, if you can't reach the t. c. shifter why not weld on an extension? regarding four shift levers being impressive- i totally agree- why not add two more with ox locker shifters! your rig will start to look like a steam loco.!

 

skeely,

The location and throw of the single lever shift does not allow for a extension.