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Adjusting NP203 levers

Damn_cajun

Damn_cajun

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I bought this truck a year ago and the NP203 was stuck in 4Loc or 4Hi. Anyway, I'm under the truck now attempting to adjust the levers since I read the levers on these 203s are junk and very prone to sticking and getting out of adjustment. Soon I would be putting a dual stick on it but first want to make sure I could shit properly before I buy a kit.

Reading the Hanes manual it says to put the levers from the case to the 6 o'clock, straight down, position. I've disconnected the arms from the case levers but I cant get the levers to move. Is there a trick? Should I hammer away, force them? Here's a picture. The one closest to the case is in the 6 and the outer one is about 5 o'clock. Should these be pretty easy to move by hand? Because they are not!

15779982482705490090778270489660.jpg
 
I am wondering if there is some pressure on the lock ring in the case. Since you already have it chocked, I would suggest jacking up one front tire to see if it relaxes things and lets it shift. If it still won't budge, use some pliers or light tapping before you get too brutal.
 
6872xtc said:
I am wondering if there is some pressure on the lock ring in the case. Since you already have it chocked, I would suggest jacking up one front tire to see if it relaxes things and lets it shift. If it still won't budge, use some pliers or light tapping before you get too brutal.
Click to expand...
Yes.
 
Damn_cajun said:
I bought this truck a year ago and the NP203 was stuck in 4Loc or 4Hi. Anyway, I'm under the truck now attempting to adjust the levers since I read the levers on these 203s are junk and very prone to sticking and getting out of adjustment. Soon I would be putting a dual stick on it but first want to make sure I could shit properly before I buy a kit.

Reading the Hanes manual it says to put the levers from the case to the 6 o'clock, straight down, position. I've disconnected the arms from the case levers but I cant get the levers to move. Is there a trick? Should I hammer away, force them? Here's a picture. The one closest to the case is in the 6 and the outer one is about 5 o'clock. Should these be pretty easy to move by hand? Because they are not!

View attachment 324179
Click to expand...
The levers are short so yes they will be hard but if it feels like it is really stuck, it is.
While you're trying to move the outer one (range) try to wiggle the inside lever (lock)
If the lock is not completely off it prevents the range selector from moving.
 
A tap with a small hammer can work to move the lever, not too hard or you will bend the fork if it's really stuck
 
6872xtc said:
I am wondering if there is some pressure on the lock ring in the case. Since you already have it chocked, I would suggest jacking up one front tire to see if it relaxes things and lets it shift. If it still won't budge, use some pliers or light tapping before you get too brutal.
Click to expand...
I'll give it a shot. So
imiceman44 said:
A tap with a small hammer can work to move the lever, not too hard or you will bend the fork if it's really stuck
Click to expand...
I've "tapped" it. It's not budging. Scared to get too roudy with it. Its drivable right now. Want to keep it that way.
 
I should have asked, do you have the wheels chocked , park brake set and the transmission in neutral? You have to take any possible pressure off of the gears and keep the truck from rolling away.
 
6872xtc said:
I should have asked, do you have the wheels chocked , park brake set and the transmission in neutral? You have to take any possible pressure off of the gears and keep the truck from rolling away.
Click to expand...
Not chocked, in park, brake on.... I might sound like an idiot here but having never actually used this t-case, the truck should be in neutral when shifting this t-case?
 
Damn_cajun said:
Not chocked, in park, brake on.... I might sound like an idiot here but having never actually used this t-case, the truck should be in neutral when shifting this t-case?
Click to expand...

Don't worry about asking questions, however I sometimes forget that some guys haven't learned things that I take for granted. Everyone has to learn somehow!

Yes, to shift it, you will need to have the transmission in neutral so that there isn't pressure on the gears in the transfer case. When you have the engine running, you will have to be quick to change gears with an automatic transmission because it will spin the transfer case input shaft even when the transmission is in neutral. With the engine off, sometimes the gears in the transfer case won't line up perfectly to change range without a wiggle of the shafts. (Drive shafts)
These old trucks aren't considered refined in some ways, but when you understand what's going on, you will be able to work it easily. And then you get to enjoy driving them!
When you get a chance, try it and post up!
 
Well that did it. Lol. Just put the damn thing in neutral. Got it all dialed in and tighten up in neutral. Seems to he shifting through all the gears, just hard to tell what I'm in, lo, lock-up, hi, hi-loc. Would really love to fab up a twin stick
 
Nice!!!
I never cared for the factory shifter for the 203. They get cranky easily when dirt and junk get in them. I would have liked a twin stick!
 
Damn_cajun said:
Well that did it. Lol. Just put the damn thing in neutral. Got it all dialed in and tighten up in neutral. Seems to he shifting through all the gears, just hard to tell what I'm in, lo, lock-up, hi, hi-loc. Would really love to fab up a twin stick
Click to expand...
I had one fabbed up from the original shifter I will see if Ican find it.
My 203 is long gone so no need for it.
 
Your next step is installing the offroad design twin stick for NP203. Here is mine.
Though I now have to take it all out and off to replace my transmission. Took about an hour to install and you will have to trim your tranny hump on all sides but driver.

But it is soooooooo worth it. Its a bit odd GM used this lame single stick shifter for both levers

https://www.offroaddesign.com/np203-twin-stick-shifter.html

8F417266-0A90-453E-ABB8-3697E55FAD63.jpeg
 
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