Opinions on Twin Stick Shifters

[smdennis]

Hi all...wanted to see if anyone has installed this twin-stick transfer case shifter conversion kit from Advanced Adapters. (link and picture are below). I am doing a complete frame-up build on a 78 FJ40 -- but swapped in an H55 and split transfer case. Are the twin-sticks worth it? Difficult to install? I freely admit that one of the reasons that I'm considering a twin-stick is that I think they look cool. Comments/suggestions would be appreciated...


715570-4 | Engine & Transmission Conversion Adapters - Advance Adapters


https://secure.advanceadapters.com/images/uploads/2008082815515733302_lrg.jpg

 

[Mark W]

With the tranny/Tcase combo you mention.... about 3 minutes and zero cost while the tranny is out of the rig... or maybe 10 minutes while it is in... and your factory shifter will do everything that a twin shifter will.


Mark...

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

install is easy. took me about 30 minutes on my install, 15 minutes of that was cleaning some parts while they were off, and another 5 of that because i had to pull it apart because i forgot to put a nut on the rod.

 

[smdennis]

thanks for the input!. Quick question re a comment below that the stock shifter will do everything that a twin-stick will. Is that really true? Doesn't the twin stick allow for a 2WD LOW selection, where the stock shifter will not?

 

[DanS HJ-45]

thanks for the input!. Quick question re a comment below that the stock shifter will do everything that a twin-stick will. Is that really true? Doesn't the twin stick allow for a 2WD LOW selection, where the stock shifter will not?

The only reason your stock linkage won't select 2LOW is because it has a plate which blocks the lever. It's real easy to cut that plate and gain the ability to go to 2LOW.

Dan

 

[My4x4FJ40]

twin stick

I have stupid question, I have done a search but could not find any answers on this. I have a early 70's fj40 w/3 speed that has twin sticks and looks factory, was this a factory opt. I can't get to it to take pic because 16"+ of snow, any help or a -link- to the factory set up?

thanks
lee

 

[Mark W]

thanks for the input!. Quick question re a comment below that the stock shifter will do everything that a twin-stick will. Is that really true? Doesn't the twin stick allow for a 2WD LOW selection, where the stock shifter will not?

That is why you spend the 3 minutes and remove the plate. or trim it.


Mark...

 

[smdennis]

That is why you spend the 3 minutes and remove the plate. or trim it.


Mark...

ah yes, now I get it...thanks for the all the help! I think I'll go for the twin sticks just for the cool factor.

 

[orangefj45]

Hi all...wanted to see if anyone has installed this twin-stick transfer case shifter conversion kit from Advanced Adapters. (link and picture are below). I am doing a complete frame-up build on a 78 FJ40 -- but swapped in an H55 and split transfer case. Are the twin-sticks worth it? Difficult to install? I freely admit that one of the reasons that I'm considering a twin-stick is that I think they look cool. Comments/suggestions would be appreciated...


715570-4 | Engine & Transmission Conversion Adapters - Advance Adapters


https://secure.advanceadapters.com/images/uploads/2008082815515733302_lrg.jpg

fwiw, that kit is designed for the earlier cases and will not work on a split case behind an h55f. but i make a kit that does!

https://forum.ih8mud.com/merchandise-storefront/303124-split-case-twin-stick-kits.html

the biggest benefit of the twin stick kit is that it can be mounted in a non-stock location and works very well. the oem linkage works great for oem setups. but once you have to move the pivot point, the geometry goes to hell in a hurry.

hth

georg @ valley hybrids

 

[lostmarbles]

thanks for the input!. Quick question re a comment below that the stock shifter will do everything that a twin-stick will. Is that really true? Doesn't the twin stick allow for a 2WD LOW selection, where the stock shifter will not?

If you've got free-wheeling hubs fitted to the front - then "4x4 low" becomes "4x2 low" when you leave them disengaged (which can be handy for towing something heavy up a steep concrete driveway for instance).



(I like to keep things standard so I don't want to modify my OEM shifter setup.)

 

[matchan420]

I removed the bracket, saved some cash for my ARB. Cool is cool though...

Enjoy...

 

[smdennis]

Wow I'm glad you caught this...I cancelled my AA order, so how do I go about ordering one from you?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[BDSeff1fitty]

send orange a PM and he should be able to get you hooked up.

 

[1973Guppie]

I have the twin sticks on my orion and I like the action alot more, much more definitive of a shift, I think well worth the money

 

[marks69cruiser]

I have the aa twin stick set up on my 40. I am running the extreme bends adapter for the SM420 mated to a stock 69 t_case. I have trouble getting my 4wd to engage. I am going to try bending my levers for better leverage. Does anybody else, running extreme bends adapter, have this same problem? Thanks. Mark

 

[Slow Poke]

I have the stock TC shifter in mine. I like to keep it looking as stock as possible. I have an Orion also and can tell you that it's a lot stiffer to operate than than stock. I've considerd making the swap because of this but it's slowly getting easier with use. I agree with lost marbles on the 2 low feature. Just leave the hubs unlocked and shazam, 2 low, do it all the time backing in to the barn.

 

[1911]

I have the twin sticks on my orion and I like the action alot more, much more definitive of a shift, I think well worth the money

I have the stock TC shifter in mine. I like to keep it looking as stock as possible. I have an Orion also and can tell you that it's a lot stiffer to operate than than stock.

Ran my Orion with the stock shifter for six months and several wheeling trips; I grew to dread shifting out of low range. The stock linkage just did not provide straight, stiff leverage to the shift arm on top of the case. Recently replaced it with the AA kit and it is a night-and-day difference! Like Guppie says, now I can feel every detente very clearly and it shifts easily with only firm pressure instead of the wrestler-contortion test of strength it took with the stock linkage. While twin sticks may be a bling waste-of-money on a stock case, they should be a required part of an Orion installation IMO.

 

[dgangle]

If you've got free-wheeling hubs fitted to the front - then "4x4 low" becomes "4x2 low" when you leave them disengaged (which can be handy for towing something heavy up a steep concrete driveway for instance).

be carefull with that as doing so can put a tremendous amount of torque on the rear driveline of which can exceed it's design and break stuff...usually the transfercase. Lots depends on application of the skinny pedal.

Don't ask me how I know.

 

[fromme]

I like them and they work well. Only thing I've noticed is that when the rear output is in low range and the front is in neutral the front lever will walk in to gear. No biggie as that's better than walking out of gear.

 

[lostmarbles]

be carefull with that as doing so can put a tremendous amount of torque on the rear driveline of which can exceed it's design and break stuff...usually the transfercase. Lots depends on application of the skinny pedal.

Don't ask me how I know.

At least the low gearing means you can get something really heavy to start moving up a hill without having to slip the clutch at all.

And because you're not in 4x4, you don't get any "transmission binding" that would otherwise make it difficult for you to shift out of low range later (on concrete/bitumen).

But yeah ... I know to take it easy (.... and I always have done that with my truck because I've always wanted to keep it long-term).