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Dana 20 Shifter Boot

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by Stakebed, Aug 6, 2022.

  1. Aug 6, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

    Lake Co....
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    Does this look stock? '79 CJ5.
    20220726_164319.jpg

    The PO used the rag because the boot is torn. I'd like to go a little less Hillbilly and buy a new boot. Internet sleuthing shows a variety of D20 boots. So first off is determining if my boot is stock/correct or already a change from stock.

    While I'm at it, do all D20's have U shaped shift patterns?
     
  2. Aug 6, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

    Lake Co....
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    A Jeeping buddy just guessed that maybe it's a Gladiator or wagon transfer case?
     
  3. Aug 7, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    I think the u-shaped shift pattern was also used on jeepster and commandos....don't recall it ever being used in a CJ..... doesn't look like the correct boot, but since it may not be native to the CJ, who knows. Use whatever works best
     
  4. Aug 7, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

    Lake Co....
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    Thank you. Trying to research this so I can make an intelligent purchase.
     
  5. Aug 7, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    What they said. U-shifter was Wagoneer/Pickup and Commando and I believe Jeepster Commando. Not used in CJ’s. Can’t ID the boot.
     
  6. Aug 7, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

    Lake Co....
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    Better, worse or just different than CJ's?
     
  7. Aug 7, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Mostly just different. If not maintained properly they wear out internally and create shifting problems. The same can be said of the ‘72-‘79 CJ linkage however. If it works fine then run it if you’re happy with it. Make sure you remove the bottom cover, clean the old congealed grease out, and re-grease it. Many had a grease zerk fitting to periodically grease them when you lube the chassis. Many did not.

    If it is problematic then changing to a twin shifter setup might be a good option. JB Fabrication makes a very nice, well made stainless steel version and imho the best one on the market. I was making them for a while until JB came out with theirs and theirs is so nice I quit doing them.
     
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  8. Aug 7, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

    Lake Co....
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    Uhhhh, I might be there already. Linkage is extremely sloppy. Are there bushings inside that box that wear out?
     
  9. Aug 7, 2022
    FinoCJ

    FinoCJ 1970 CJ5 Staff Member

    Bozeman, MT
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    Nick - were there any twin stick D20 linkages, such as in FSJs/IHs or the like that could be swapped onto the U-shift pattern D20 - assuming the shift rails would have to be a part of the swap. And just to ask....could an old twin stick D18 front cap and rails be used on the U-shift D20? Only asking as the large case D18 is pretty much the same a D20 case, and iirc, its quite common to swap a early D18 twin stick cap on to the later large D18?
     
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  10. Aug 8, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    20 twin stick housings like used in a few years of IH Scout 800’s won’t work with an 18 but can be used with a 20 configured transfer case and 18 shifters can be used.
    Unfortunately other than the sticks and misc. external pieces like anti-rattle clips, etc. nothing else can be used. The 18 housing and rails will simply not work. you must use the 20 twin stick housing and shift rails which are getting darn hard to find. The front housing or “bearing cap”is not hard to find but the shift rails in usable shape are darn hard to find that aren’t too rust pitted in the seal area. That’s why I like the JB kit because it converts a stock version of whatever 20 you have to dual shifter and is complete with everything you need with no other modifications. It’s a literal bolt on other than whatever floor mods or transmission clearancing you may need for custom applications (some SM 420 apps and some others).
    I’ve done it several ways so if I’m not answering your question or you have more feel free to ask. You can also e-mail me at nickmiln@aol.com
    Might get a quicker answer that way as I’m on here real hit and miss.
     
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  11. Aug 8, 2022
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    It’s more than just bushings that can be easily replaced. It’s hard for me to describe but there are pins and channels that wear out that can be hard to fix. It’s best if you look at an FSM or inside yours to see what I’m talking about. I’ve had mixed success repairing them but in the big scheme of things it’s best to just replace the system unless doing a nuts and bolts restoration.
     
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  12. Aug 8, 2022
    Stakebed

    Stakebed Member

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    As the U shaped pattern is not stock for a CJ and Yellowjacket is far from stock, restoration is not a word that gets used in relation to this Jeep.
    Partsdude tells me all the U pattern linkages are sloppy like a stick in a 5 gal bucket. :cry:
     
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