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Fabricating Twin Stick Shift For T18 0r Sm420 Transmission Swap

Discussion in 'Flat Fender Tech' started by jeeper50, Jan 8, 2022.

  1. Jan 8, 2022
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
    I am thinking of mounting the transfer case shifters for a dana 18 to the overdrive lever bracket that bolts to the top of the swapped sm420 trans. Anyone toyed with that idea? I would use Herms 3 lever boot. Post pics if you have.
     
  2. Jan 9, 2022
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2009
    Messages:
    3,083
  3. Jan 9, 2022
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
    That what I want to do too! Thanks for the pics that looks great!
     
  4. Jan 11, 2022
    cj2atruck

    cj2atruck Member

    Spokane, WA
    Joined:
    Dec 12, 2020
    Messages:
    64
    I'm curious why you are considering making your own linkage. Is it just to get all three levers aligned?

    I took a different approach and built my own bracket and linkage for the overdrive lever with my SM420 transmission. I had to tweak the OD lever a little in the press so the throw didn't interfere with the transfer case levers when shifted, but has worked out really well. In the picture, the OD is engaged, so moves towards the dash when disengaged.

    I also built my own transmission cover from 1/8" steel plate, and used a dual boot with the inside boot cut off so it sat next to the new transmission tower.

    20190818_182211.jpg
     
    jeeper50 and melvinm like this.
  5. Jan 11, 2022
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
    Messages:
    8,513
    On my 420 conversion I shortened and bent the 420 cane to where it felt comfortable to me.
    You can see the bends in the photo.
    The OD lever was reused, unbent, and mounted on the pin/shaft on the 420 tower for the parking brake lever.
    The shift rod between the shift lever and OD unit was lengthened and remodeled.
    The twin D18 levers were heated and bent for clearance as well.
    The trans/t-case boots are from IH; the OD boot from AA.
    Sorry it's all dirty.

    [​IMG]
     
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  6. Jan 12, 2022
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
    They all look great just thought it might fit better, but I'm liking what I'm seeing now ! Thanks for showing me and giving me more ideas
     
  7. Jan 12, 2022
    RATTYFLATTY

    RATTYFLATTY I think you need a little more throttle

    Central MN
    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2007
    Messages:
    515
    This is what I came up with and repurposing a set of 18 sticks.
    smaller.jpg smaller2.jpg kevins phone 005.jpg
     
    cj2atruck likes this.
  8. Jan 12, 2022
    jeeper50

    jeeper50 jeeps 'till I die

    Spanish Fort. AL
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2007
    Messages:
    844
    Wish I would have kept the Dana 20 front bearing housing I had just like yours! I an getting some really good ideas- keep them coming, I was thinking about cutting my shift rods to make them work with clutch rod clevises or similar to what you have
     
  9. Jan 13, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    12,529
    A 20 front housing won't work on an 18 transfer case.
     
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