Preventing Accidental Hi/Low Twin Stick T-Shift

[FirstTimer67]

My transfer case shift linkage is pretty banged up and has too much slop to reliable engage/disengage 4wd. I‘m thinking about converting to the twin stick on my 67 T-shift but being a newbie am somewhat hesitant because it would eliminate the protection against cross-shifting.

Is there any reason I couldn’t keep the plate that connects the two shift rails and just bolt it to the underside of the two rods? Wouldn’t that accomplish the same thing as the factory arrangement?

 

[DirtDonk]

The connecting plate is not the mechanism that locks out improper shifts. It's the detent balls and springs that fall into notches in the actual shift rods inside the casting that accomplish that.
Or did I misunderstand which direction you were coming from on that? I'm not up on my twin-stick tech, but it seems to me that if you twin-stick it and leave in the detent balls and springs, and don't modify the shift rods you would still have your full safety interlock capability.

Interested to hear what is said about it. You can also contact member JB Fab here and I know they would break it down clearly for you.

Paul

 

[okie4570]

The connecting plate is not the mechanism that locks out improper shifts. It's the detent balls and springs that fall into notches in the actual shift rods inside the casting that accomplish that.
Or did I misunderstand which direction you were coming from on that? I'm not up on my twin-stick tech, but it seems to me that if you twin-stick it and leave in the detent balls and springs, and don't modify the shift rods you would still have your full safety interlock capability.

Interested to hear what is said about it. You can also contact member JB Fab here and I know they would break it down clearly for you.

Paul

That's correct. I didn't alter the internals, so it's not possible for me to have each axle in a different range. T shift transfer case, 71'. Would have been nice though when I cratered by rear ring and pinion though lol.

 

[FirstTimer67]

The connecting plate is not the mechanism that locks out improper shifts. It's the detent balls and springs that fall into notches in the actual shift rods inside the casting that accomplish that.

Oh ok. I knew the detents had something to do with it but thought the plate played a role as well.

So what happens then with the twin stick if I ever tried to cross-shift? Does it just lock out Low when the other shifter is in High?

 

[mrdrnac]

Yes the rear shifter has to be shifted into position before the front shifter can be moved there.

 

[Broncobowsher]

T-style shifters (66-early '73) can't cross ranges or get front wheel drive only without doctoring the shift rails/pills.

 

[PaveBronco]

There was a how to on line I followed years ago, welding and grinding the shift rails to allow twin stick operation, without crossing up the Hi/Lo front and back.
These ones are already have the mod, plug and play..

https://jb-custom-fabrication.mysho...ick-shifters/products/ford-d20-shift-rail-kit