Dana 20 T/C Question

[Curtis]

My first time on this site. I don't have a Bronco so I hope my being here doesn't offend anyone! I do have an ole 84 Ford Ranger with F150, Bronco and Explorer parts if that helps. I figure if I want good Ford parts and equipment information and answers I need to ask the right people...so I'm here!

I've got a T-shift Dana 20 that I'm going to rebuild and hook-up to the ZF I'm using. When I do it I'm planning on eliminating the shift rod that keeps the shift rails aligned. I'm thinking about going to a twin shifter system later. My question is if I do this and leave the original shifter and linkage will I have problems with shifting. Will the detent balls be able to keep things where they need to be? Or will things be slipping in and out of gear? I've never used a Dana 20 so I don't know how firmly they shift. With my current set-up some of the shift location is at the shifter, especially in 4WD low.

Thanks for any help or suggestions!

Curtis

 

[bajaplayboy]

It really depends on what your trying to do on whether you have a T or J shift dana 20.

If your trying to rock crawl, and control the front axle seperate from the rear then the detents must be removed.

If your a mud rider and just want to have 2H, 4H, 4L and most important, 2L then the twin stick thing is the way to go...and it doesnt cost $200.

If your intent is to remove the shifter totally and just leave the rods in the case in whatever gear you put it in then they will stay. The shifter isnt important to hold the position on a T shift anyway.

Advice: Just fab a twin stick setup. They are pretty easy in you are good with steel. But if I understand you correctly...then your answer is you cant remove the shafts and have it stay in gear.

sean

 

[Curtis]

Thanks for the help! I have a T-shift and I've decided the best thing to do is go ahead and go to twin shifters now. I was going to remove the detent rods but I found a site that showed me how to cut the rear shift rail and keep the detent rods in place. That way I can have low or high front or rear and not have to worry about shifting into low and high at the same time.