NEED advice-- np205 shifter linkage HOW-TO?

[mike reeh]

Okay I got my 4L80E/NP205 going in my 77 shortbed..

Most everything is taken care of.. except for the transfer case shifter!!

The 4l80e is longer, AND theres a spacer between the trans/tcase that pushes it even further back.. so obviously the shifter isnt coming up thru the floor in the right spot anymore... Im really trying to use the stock inspection cover w/o modification (or with only SLIGHT modification) and Im having a real hard time..

when I went to a 700r4/np205 combo a while back, I had to modify the shifter too.. It was pretty straight forward, though.. I just pretty much put a lateral extension on the shift lever, down near the pivot point (bolt)...

the new setup (4l80e) is even longer, and just extending it wont work anymore.. Ive tried bending some custom shaped shifters (just round metal stock) to go around the trans and up thru the hole, but it seems that it changes the geometry of system too much and it would require a much greater "swing" (or throw?) of the shifter to make anything engage... (so Id have to cut lots of metal out of the inspection cover, and even then it might not work)... Im really trying to make this look stock (inside the cab) but I cant think of a good way of fabbing this up..

What have you other guys running similar combo's done with the np205 shift lever? Is there some way I can use heims or more levers? aftermarket? Im all ears..........

mike

 

[dyeager535]

What's the spacer between the trans/t-case other than the adapter? You running something unusual?

Not sure if it will help, if there is additional length between the tranny and t-case, a stock shifter won't work of course, but there is a different shifter for the later setups, the early doesn't work since the transfer case is further back. There are a few posts about this, I think my gallery even has a comparison picture, as does someone elses post.

In mine, ('86 tub) there is no way I can run it without doing at least some drilling, the 205 boot won't fit where a 208/241 was without adding holes to screw it down.

I'm incredibly bad about not wanting to add more holes to the truck, so that's my issue, but if you aren't too concerned with that portion, maybe you just need the later shifter?