DANA 300 shift lever help!

[rpsharpe]

I have a 1986 CJ7 with the Dana 300 Transfer Case and need to replace the shift lever (broke off knob). The new part is lightly different than the original (there is an extra bend in the original), so the new one doesn't allow shifting from H2 to H4 because it hits the floor. Does anyone have info on where to get the proper shift lever? Apparently, there is only one available (per Quadratec, Rugged Ridge, Omix Ada, etc). Salvage yard?? I will post some pictures later today. Thanks.

 

[hole]

You could either heat it up with a torch and put the bend you need in the new one or now is a good time to twin stick it.

 

[Petescj]

I never searched for one but Im suprised that only one replacement is available. I know that the lever for the standard Transmission and the auto are definately different. Like Hole said its a great time to twin stick it but if thats not your thing look in the salvage yards. Itsnot easy finding Cjs there anymore though. Ebay may help also.

I have a 1986 CJ7 with the Dana 300 Transfer Case and need to replace the shift lever (broke off knob). The new part is lightly different than the original (there is an extra bend in the original), so the new one doesn't allow shifting from H2 to H4 because it hits the floor. Does anyone have info on where to get the proper shift lever? Apparently, there is only one available (per Quadratec, Rugged Ridge, Omix Ada, etc). Salvage yard?? I will post some pictures later today. Thanks.

 

[tarry99]

I have a 1986 CJ7 with the Dana 300 Transfer Case and need to replace the shift lever (broke off knob). The new part is lightly different than the original (there is an extra bend in the original), so the new one doesn't allow shifting from H2 to H4 because it hits the floor. Does anyone have info on where to get the proper shift lever? Apparently, there is only one available (per Quadratec, Rugged Ridge, Omix Ada, etc). Salvage yard?? I will post some pictures later today. Thanks.

Check Storks Jeep Auto Wreckers........in your state 610-488-1450

 

[Petescj]

Check Storks Jeep Auto Wreckers........in your state 610-488-1450

Yeah he's on Ebay as well. Forgot about Dave.

 

[rpsharpe]

Thanks to all - I'll try the salvage yard or maybe torch and bend the new one.

 

[rpsharpe]

Is this something I cam do with a good vise and propane torch? I already have both....but never tried bending something this thick.
Thanks.

 

[Al Lindner]

I have one laying on the floor in my garage message me and we'll figure out how to get it to you

 

[Dan77CJ7]

Have you thought about a twin stick conversion, JB fabrication makes a nice set up and easy to install the twin stick is a nice upgrade you only get 2rwd Low unless the sift pills are removed for a full split. food for thought, good luck sorry i cant help with the linkage. these are pics of a Dana 20 the kit really shifts soild and loses lots of pivot points.

 

[mtnwhlr]

I will also jump on the Twin stick bandwagon. It is a great mod.

 

[Techlight]

Another option is to use a grinder to make the top 2 inches or so more narrow and then tap it with new threads. Easy to do. I just had this happen to on my Transmission in my 84 and i had it only took about 45 min or so. You can take the knob off your shifter as a reference on depth and circumference.

Easier to crawl under the 300 and spin that one nut off if you had a new stick though.

 

[Petescj]

Thanks to all - I'll try the salvage yard or maybe torch and bend the new one.

I couldnt believe the price when I searched for a new one. I came up with $130. Id definately put another bend in the one you bought if youve got that much invested in it already. If you dont have a good torch take it to a garage along with your old one and have them do it.

 

[rpsharpe]

Thanks to all!
I had a new 3/16 bolt welded on to the old shifter and am using that.
Will be returning the $110 new part!
I am researching the twin shifter idea for a future project....sounds good, but gotta watch the expenses...

Rich

 

[hole]

The twin stick from JB Fabrication is +/- the same money and works much better!

 

[CJim7]

Yep. When I built my twin stick setup, I went looking for a second shifter to use...and was floored at how much even an used one was. I managed to score one for $20, but I really had to find someone willing to overlook the going rate.

FWIW, you need a torch to heat these things up hot enough to bend them where you need the bend....otherwise your bends take up too much material and turn to bows. You could clamp it down hard in a vice I suppose, and beat the hell out of it.....but fire is a lot funner. I had to bend both of mine to make my setup work, but I also saved $100 over a pre-built twin stick setup.

 

[Bent]

I broke the stud off the shift lever for my t177 trying to replace the knob. It's the same as the knob stud on the Dana 300 shifter. I drilled it out, tapped new threads and JB welded a new stud in place. Works great.

However, this sounds like a great excuse to twin stick it! This will be a future upgrade for my jeep. With out a granny low Transmission , I shift from 4L to 4H a lot. It's a pain having L and H on the opposite ends of the shift pattern.

 

[rpsharpe]

Thanks to all,
Twin sticks maybe in my future. In the end, what is the downside to twin sticks?

 

[hole]

The only downside I can think of is forgetting which stick does what

 

[CJim7]

Hole is right..lol It's easy to forget if you aren't using it all the time.
But the twin stick gives you more options for shifting as well as making the case shift easier. The stock linkage is a poor design and a twin stick corrects that.