Why Twin Stick

[addicted56]

I don't understand the reason for a twin stick on a single transfer case. I understand it gives you the ability to run your vehicle in 2WD Low.

#1: Why not just unlock the hubs

#2: Except for situations on asphalt where you are turning very sharply would it be good to have the front driveshaft not turning.

Even in these two scenarios how many people have used it (when it was needed not just because they had it) and is it worth it?

I know George makes a good kit and might be able to give some insight. I guess I just don't get it.

Just wondering

 

[dozerking]

I have always felt the same way seems like a pointless mod to me!!!

 

[Mopdog]

I went twin because I was swapping the transmission to a SM465 and had to modify the linkage anyway. The shifting is much better with the twin sticks. Maybe my linkage was sloppy but before the swap the shifter felt "mushy" as in I couldn't really tell what was engaged. I probaly wouldnt do it as a stand alone mod but with a transmission swap I think its worth it.

 

[mtj555]

I will be watching this, I never understood it myself...

 

[Fast Eddy]

More positive actuation than the linkage you get with a single stick.

I don't have twin sticks, but I use 2wd, low-range all the time. 4wd, low-range with the hubs unlocked is exactly the same thing and it's good to turn the diff through the oil once in a while. The difference is that without the single-stick 2wd, low-range mod, it's two clicks of the shifter instead of one.

 

[DSRTRDR]

I have quite some use for 2LO as well - don't have twin sticks (yet )

 

[reddingcruiser]

On a totally stock rig that doesn't see much off-road or 4-wheel drive use, twin sticks are hardly worth the money or effort. On a rig with a transmission conversion (especially automatics), a toybox, or anything that else shoves the transfer case further back, twin sticks make sense.

 

[bikersmurf]

It's an easy mod to get 2 low with a stock single stick.

I like using it.

 

[addicted56]

It's an easy mod to get 2 low with a stock single stick.

I like using it.

How so? I've heard of people adjusting their stock linkage and making a square shift pattern IOT use this.

I agree it makes complete sense when switching transmissions. I didn't think of that so thank you.

For those of you that said you use it all the time (and don't have twin sticks) what is the reason for not just leaving the hubs unlocked.

 

[Mark W]

it takes almost nothing to rework your stock shifter to give you two low without the need for spending money for twin sticks... unless you just have to have more levers and you can't afford dual T/Cs..

2low is very handy on a lot of trails and various other situations where jumping in and out to lock and unlock hubs is a laughable suggestion. I particularly like it for slipping the tail around by letting the rear tires spin without powering the fronts.

Mark...

 

[shelfboy1]

ive used 2 lo for 40 years now even modified my vacum shifts for 2 low.twin sticks werent available then and werent needed.they have their place like eveything else,

 

[1911]

The stock linkage is a Rube Goldberg contraption that is prone to wobbling and to not engage/disengage positively after 30+ years of use. When I installed a new professionally-built Orion case in mine, the shifting detentes were a little more stiff than the stock case, and the shifting arm on the stock linkage bent so badly (because of the angle of pull on the stock linkage) after one season of wheeling that it wouldn't shift out of low range any more:

Twin sticks provide a straight, direct linkage to both the shift points on a single case, making a much more positive engagement/disengagement. They totally fixed my Orion shifting problem.

 

[myquestoyota]

It's an easy mod to get 2 low with a stock single stick.

I like using it.

What he said ^

 

[Living in the Past]

I have quite some use for 2LO as well - don't have twin sticks (yet )

What he said ^

It's an easy mod to get 2 low with a stock single stick.

I like using it.

it takes almost nothing to rework your stock shifter to give you two low without the need for spending money for twin sticks... unless you just have to have more levers and you can't afford dual T/Cs..

2low is very handy on a lot of trails and various other situations where jumping in and out to lock and unlock hubs is a laughable suggestion. I particularly like it for slipping the tail around by letting the rear tires spin without powering the fronts.

Mark...

ive used 2 lo for 40 years now even modified my vacum shifts for 2 low.twin sticks werent available then and werent needed.they have their place like eveything else,

A lot of talk why not just say how it's done. On a floor shifter just remove the guide off the transmission. Then just shift the lever straight to the right instead of pulling down to put it in 4WD first like you normally do. On the dash mounted style just remove the pin on the lever that pulls the vacuum shifter button out.

I like the 2WD option for my 68 since it's coarse spline axles and the only locker I could find to work was Lock Right. Can get plenty of places in 2WD lo with a locker. In 4wd with a Lock Right it only wants to drive straight. Easier to have it in 2WD and not fight it.

 

[pbgbottle]

i use 2 low on occasion also .i just removed the t-case shifter gate completely ,the last thing i want is another stick poking through the floor.
if you complelty remove it you will need to stick a thick washer on the end of the mounting bolt to keep the shifter tight or it will rattle be sloppy and drive you crazy.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[Fast Eddy]

... Orion case ... the shifting detentes were a little more stiff than the stock case

I extended the arm and cleaned up the detents some. Works fine now. 30% less effort required to shift with this simple mod. I actually painted it after this picture was taken.

It seems like removing the gate also removes an important brace from the shifter mounting stud. It's a grinder cut and bend and you can put it back.

Four wheeling in 2wd puts a lot more load on your rear pinion shaft and you have lots more opportunity to slip and slide going downhill. IMO, put the lockright in the rear.

 

[RWBeringer4x4]

The stock linkage is a Rube Goldberg contraption that is prone to wobbling and to not engage/disengage positively after 30+ years of use.

That's what mine looks like! Getting that straightended back out before the new T-case goes back in. I fall into the "no more levers" category though, so I wont be twin-sticking my 40.

 

[Fast Eddy]

That's what mine looks like! Getting that straightended back out before the new T-case goes back in. I fall into the "no more levers" category though, so I wont be twin-sticking my 40.

Feel free to steal my lever extension idea above. Seems to work great.

 

[TLC76]

I hated the way the stock transfer case shifting felt, especially trying to shift during some offcamber climbing manuever etc. I built my own setup with mcmaster carr parts, most of the time offroad I'm in 2 low, pop it into 4 as needed. When you hit hardpack with a locker and you try to manuever you'll appreciate a twinstick.

 

[addicted56]

Lots of great discussion and I appreciate all of the feedback. This might have to be a mod later on down the road for me still not sure (if only someone had a toy box) but one of these days I'll find one.

Interesting about the extra load on the rear pinion. Also something I didn't think of. I think the easiest way to wheel is just to get a selectable locker in the front. But of course that is more money as well. It is always difficult to find the one build that does everything. But I'm glad it is easy to make adjustments to and change the shifter to allow 2WD Low. Very interesting and wondering why they just didn't do this from the factory.