Dana 20 Sloppy linkage

[Fix and repair]

I have a 78' CJ7 with a Dana 20 Transfer Case and the linkage is wore and very sloppy. I'm wondering if theirs a rebuild kit or a after market replacement kit and or parts.
Looking forward to another jeep season and hopefully with less slop. Any help would be great.

 

[rrekr]

Every component in the Dana 20 Linkage contributes to the slop. They were not tight when they were new and after several decades of wear they get a lot worse. I have uploaded two images in the gallery that shows the end result of my quest to tighten the linkage.

 

[Torxhead]

Time to install a twin stick, like the one made by JB Fab.

 

[BusaDave9]

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[Dan77CJ7]

Dana 20 linkage is for the most part trash.....J/K, JB makes a great upgrade/replacement, i kinda made a thread about it. the twinstick never binds and you never second guess what range ur in! good luck.

 

[es335]

If you twin stick be prepared for problems. I did mine with all new components from Novak-including Teraflex 3:15, and, Novak twin stick shifters. I know BusaDave had issues and was able to correct with a spring spacer kit. Unfortunately the guys at Novak do not make you aware of this unless you ask, . I had a reputable Transmission shop do my install, welded and ground the shift rail multiple times, still jumps out of low range rear wheel. There are a number of threads about this issue -on this site and others. I am working with a new company that actually makes the corrected rails to use when you twin stick a Dana 20 . I will withhold information until I get it installed and can evaluate the results. Just saying, the twinstick has issues when you remove the interlock pills and it is unfortunate that you are not made aware of this unless you ask. the kit SHOULD include the spring spacers and it does not....just saying....

 

[Dan77CJ7]

If you twin stick be prepared for problems. I did mine with all new components from Novak-including Teraflex 3:15, and, Novak twin stick shifters. I know BusaDave had issues and was able to correct with a spring spacer kit. Unfortunately the guys at Novak do not make you aware of this unless you ask, . I had a reputable Transmission shop do my install, welded and ground the shift rail multiple times, still jumps out of low range rear wheel. There are a number of threads about this issue -on this site and others. I am working with a new company that actually makes the corrected rails to use when you twin stick a Dana 20 . I will withhold information until I get it installed and can evaluate the results. Just saying, the twinstick has issues when you remove the interlock pills and it is unfortunate that you are not made aware of this unless you ask. the kit SHOULD include the spring spacers and it does not....just saying....

Thats good to know, when i bought the kit i was going to do the full split but the cost of having the shift pills removed was to high. but just having rear wheel low is good enough for me, i never had any problems so far. and the 3.15 is in the works so i dont think i'll have the pills pulled. I'd just end up cross shifting the Transfer Case anyhow!!!!!!

 

[es335]

Good deal. There are times when I REALLY wish I had done exactly what you did. The 3:15 upgrade is priceless and REALLY good quality! Keep us posted on how it holds up!

 

[rrekr]

I installed a 3.15 Terra-Low gearset and the quality is very impressive.I did not know anybody was making new rails for the Dana 20 . Could you take a picture before you install them and share it with us? Thanks

 

[es335]

Yes absolutley. I am hoping to have the parts next week.

 

[dabbrowne]

Hello

How to I just get new linkage? I have a Dana 20 and the linkage is shot. Thx

 

[Hedgehog]

Many of the linkage problems can be fixed. Frequently the bolt at the front breaks free from the original weld. Frequently that needs to be re welded. Also there is a brass bushing that wears out. You can have a machinist make one or you can call Willys Works here in Tucson and Rob has them made up on occasion. Rewelding and replacing the bushing can make a big difference in your linkage.