Transfer Case Shift Lever Modification

[That'll Buff]

Does anyone have links to any write ups on how to take off the transfer case shift lever and modify it for a straight lever? I've seen it on here before and can't seem to find it. Additionally, does anyone know if the lever on an XJ is the same as a TJ or if there were changes made where they aren't interchangeable. I'm just talking about the physical selection lever itself so the actual assembly doesn't matter much to me.

 

[Zorba]

Most of us bought straight levers (then had to dogleg them) from a guy on eBay that apparently isn't around anymore. There's a write-up here about one guy who modified (welded) the stock lever into a straight one - it should be here "somewhere".

 

[OldBuzzard]

Transfer Case Shifter Handle Extension

 

[That'll Buff]

Transfer Case Shifter Handle Extension

Exactly the thread I was thinking of, thank you.

 

[MikekiM]

I have one from the ebay dude that I am going to be removing with intent to offer it for sale here.

Not sure when I'll be removing it.. likely by end of April.

 

[Oneslowtj]

Any ideas for what I could do for a 2lo kit? I saw a knob on here before but cant find the thread anymore

 

[OldBuzzard]

Any ideas for what I could do for a 2lo kit? I saw a knob on here before but cant find the thread anymore

Lots of ways to spell 2lo.
Google this: site:wranglertjforum.com 2l 2lo 2low 2-low

This is the only knob I see.

 

[That'll Buff]

I have one from the ebay dude that I am going to be removing with intent to offer it for sale here.

Not sure when I'll be removing it.. likely by end of April.

Any particular reason you're removing it? Unfortunately with the route I want to go I'd have to do the custom version since I need the threads to be basically the only thing sticking through the opening.

 

[Oneslowtj]

Lots of ways to spell 2lo.
Google this: site:wranglertjforum.com 2l 2lo 2low 2-low

This is the only knob I see.

That’s what I was looking for . Appreciate it!

 

[MikekiM]

Any particular reason you're removing it? Unfortunately with the route I want to go I'd have to do the custom version since I need the threads to be basically the only thing sticking through the opening.

I can't leave well-enough alone. I've had it this way for a few years and as pictured it was paired with a black B&M shift knob. I've wanted to swap to a white B&M shift knob which after a long search I finally found. Can't find a white knob for the transfer case (that's the same size) so I am just going to reinstall the stock t-case lever. Can't imagine cutting the rod and adding threads is too much of a project.

 

[xRATTx]

I have one from the ebay dude that I am going to be removing with intent to offer it for sale here.

Not sure when I'll be removing it.. likely by end of April.

View attachment 679083
View attachment 679084

If you still have it, I’d be interested in buying it

 

[macleanflood]

I followed the post and made my own. Not hard to do. Really easy with a long 3/8-16 bolt or whatever thread pitch and size you need for the knob you pick.

-Mac

 

[bbaldwin237]

I'm always curious why people do this mod. I mean that genuinely and not rudely. I like that the factory handle is down and out of the way when not in 4wd. So is it merely an aesthetic thing or something I'm missing. It could be that people are doing more 4wd shifting than me and it's easier to reach? I generally shift mine at the start of wheeling and then don't touch it again until I'm done unless there's a long stretch where I want to go out of 4h. Just curious.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

I'm always curious why people do this mod. I mean that genuinely and not rudely. I like that the factory handle is down and out of the way when not in 4wd. So is it merely an aesthetic thing or something I'm missing. It could be that people are doing more 4wd shifting than me and it's easier to reach? I generally shift mine at the start of wheeling and then don't touch it again until I'm done unless there's a long stretch where I want to go out of 4h. Just curious.

For me it was a little of both. I thought the retro upright knob looked better on my 99 Sahara with the tan interior and two tone seats, and I replaced both the t case and transmission shift knobs with those from an early YJ (or maybe a late CJ?). Also I had a neck thing going on where leaning forward to grab the factory lever while keeping my eyes on the trail pinched a nerve and triggered pain down my arms. By the time I got my LJ, the neck thing was better and the lever doesn't look as out of place in the black interior so I left it alone.

 

[That'll Buff]

I'm always curious why people do this mod. I mean that genuinely and not rudely. I like that the factory handle is down and out of the way when not in 4wd. So is it merely an aesthetic thing or something I'm missing. It could be that people are doing more 4wd shifting than me and it's easier to reach? I generally shift mine at the start of wheeling and then don't touch it again until I'm done unless there's a long stretch where I want to go out of 4h. Just curious.

I haven't done mine yet still, but for me it was purely for aesthetic reasons. My plan is to make the handle itself as short as possible and attach a shortened beer tap handle to it. I knew that there's a chance that I might not like it, want to remove it some day, or that it outright might not work, so I got a spare from the junkyard and plan to use it so I can still have a stock lever just in case.

 

[macleanflood]

Also little of both. I liked the aesthetics of somewhat matching the CJ shifter knob I had on my transmission. It's one of the few parts I have left from my original Jeep.

And I like having the knob up higher so I don't have to smash my face into the steering wheel to shift the transfer case. As mentioned it lets me keep my eyes on the trail. It's a lot more intuitive to shift this way and it feels better tactically.

4 wheel drive is great but sometimes you want a quick shift down to 2 for a tight turn.

-Mac

 

[MikekiM]

I'm always curious why people do this mod. I mean that genuinely and not rudely. I like that the factory handle is down and out of the way when not in 4wd. So is it merely an aesthetic thing or something I'm missing. It could be that people are doing more 4wd shifting than me and it's easier to reach? I generally shift mine at the start of wheeling and then don't touch it again until I'm done unless there's a long stretch where I want to go out of 4h. Just curious.

Purely aesthetics

 

[Zorba]

Purely aesthetics

Pretty much. I wanted something that looked like a gear shift lever, not a glorified parking brake. It actually should have been TWO levers, for a total of (at least) three, but it is what it is.