Linkage Adjustment?

Casey Scogin

Casey Scogin

Member
Is there a way to adjust the shifter linkage on a d20. I have an intermittant grinding sound coming out of the transfer case and it does not feel like it has positive engagement in 2h. I want to try and adjust any linkage before I look at a full rebuild or buying a new one.
'76 Scout
345 motor
727 tranny
 
You are not gonna buy a "new" one as they have not been manufactured since around 1983.

Rebuilding is fairly simple. We have many remanufactured and high quality used used parts for these cases. Bearing sets and a gasket kit are kept on the shelf all the time.

There is no "adjustment" for those cases. They shift as they shift.

The biggest issue (other than worn bearings) we find are shift rail balls and springs that are out of spec.

The information in this thread will take you through the basic rebuild process:

rebuilding the Jeep / IH Dana spicer 20 transfer case
 
Thanks michael, any idea what a full rebuild kit would run me, or do you have a rebuilt unit on the shelf? Or should I call Jeff to get pricing?
 
Call the shop tomorrow and discuss your issue. Hours are 7:30a>4:30p, the number is 530.268.0864.

Also try and have some information regarding your u-joints, transfer case mount, etc.
 
Hey michael, last night I pressure washed 35 years of road grime off of the tranny and transfer case so I could see what I was working with. All of the u-joints felt tight, but there was a little bit of play (maybe 1/8 inch) at the front output shaft. It also looks like there is a small amount of fluid seepage from the output shaft seal. I am guessing this is not normal. I am hoping to pull the transfer case this weekend so I can take pictures and see what I am going to need to rebuild it.

Also, I am new to 4 wheel drive so I have a question about shifting the transfer case. With the engine running, auto tranny in neutral, front hubs locked, and vehicle stopped I can shift the transfer case from neutral to 2wd no problem. But under these conditions I grind the gears and have to force the lever to shift into 4 low or 4 high. Is this normal? Should I be moving slightly when I try and engage 4wd? Or is this another problem caused by a worn transfer case?
Thanks for all the help.
 
So far, everything you describe is what I call...normal! These cases are simple direct-shift gearboxes, no synchros at all. They are rough but very durable when used in the right application. They do not operate like much more modern transfer cases used with shift-on-the-fly vehicles, etc.

Once you finally get used to the transfer case, you will be able to shift it through it's settings just fine. Simply changing the oil and installing a suitable lube can sometimes work wonders. I use plain old 50w engine oil in my transfer cases.

Yes, it's somewhat of a normal situation to be able to shift between 2h and 4h rolling slowly. But to select 4l you should be not moving unless ya need to creep slightly to help it shift.
 
Hey michael, is it possible to pull the shifter linkage, bars, and poppets without pulling the front retainer off.

Also, does the transfer case have any kind of locking pin or mechanism that locks it into place. I ask because last night I put it in 4hi and drove around for a bit. When I stopped it would not shift out of 4 hi. I had to put the tranny in drive until I was moving a couple miles an hour, then shift it into neutral, then the transfer case would shift into 2 hi.
 
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Unless the interior transmission cover has been extensively modified, it's simply not possible to pull any of the transfer case actuation system apart for cleaning and service. Take it out and do it on the bench. Even then, it's a real pita to do for a beginner because of the shift interlock and the shift rail retention springs and balls.

Thew shifting difficulty again is a "normal condition. Sometimes, you have to kill the engine to get the transfer case to actually shift. What you did by having the vehicle in slow motion is exactly the type technique that is normally used most of the time. Again, these are not "shift-on-the-fly" type drive systems.
 
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