T98 + Dana 18 Tc Linkage Conversion

Hey everybody,

I swapped to the T98 transmission last year and wasn't able to put the attached Dana 18 TC in with it because it wouldn't fit under the jeep. I ended up putting my original TC in with it - I think I've heard it called a "super 18" meaning a dana 18 exterior with dana 20 components inside. Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, once I had it all installed I had a lot of trouble with the TC linkage. The original single stick TC linkage attached to the side of the T86 transmission so that the linkage could actuate both rods on the TC with that S-curve piece (if you know what I'm trying to say). With the T98, there was no place to attach the single stick linkage in that way, and after lots of trial and error I ended up rigging up a two stick conversion similar to the older jeeps. This conversion was really just short term so that I could drive the transmission and make sure I was going to keep it in the jeep. Photos attached, don't laugh.

I am now ready to put some long term reliable linkage in there and would like some tips or advice on how I can make something better. The twin stick conversion I did is not great, it was just easier at the time than trying to figure out the single stick. I'm open to going back to single stick or finding a better way to do twin stick. Is there a conversion kit out there for adapting this linkage to the t98 transmission? Has anyone out there done this before? Tips and advice are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Henri

 

I was able to use my single stick on my T18 by making an adapter plate that utilized the two mounting bosses on the trans cover and then bolting the original pivot stud to that. A picture (or three) is worth a thousand words. The original bracket had bent a bit, so I straightened it and "sandwiched" it to the plate with another piece to stiffen it.

 

I like the look of that, nice and simple.

 

I converted mine from single to twin stick, I greatly prefer it. Shouldn't be any reason why you couldn't run a twin stick, but you have to disassemble the tcase to change it.

 

Bowbender, were you able to connect the S curve in the same stock orientation or did you have to switch it around due to the increased width of the metal brackets? I can't remember which direction the S curve faces in the standard orientation. I'm guessing you still got the full range of high/low in/out with that setup.

 

Nice, very nice, looks original,

 

That is stock orientation (or close to it). I mounted the plate to the transmission, and then clamped the original bracket to it, making adjustments until the linkage all worked freely.Then marked and drilled the bolt holes. The thickness of the brackets just worked out, I guess a blind chicken gets a kernel of corn once in a while.

 

What have you got for the clutch, a bike chain and cable linkage set-up? Is that your doing too?

 

Just curious... why the disassembly? Isn't the disassembly only necessary to remove the pill if you want 2-low? I swear I've taken the linkage off and added 2 sticks, but I could be wrong. It's been many years.

 

Been a long time...but I believe that the shift rails themselves are different. If I'm mistaken someone please chime in.

 

So what happens if you disconnect the linkage and shift them independently?

 

I modified the linkage when I put the T18 into jeep . I didn't have the two bosses on cover . like the T98

the OP your set up looks like it would work fine . mikes set up looks clean using the old lever

 

It's the Advance Adapter chain linkage setup. Very easy to install.

 

And works awesome. Could be easily fixed with a plastic spork and a potato if need be.

 

I like the look of what you did. My setup doesn't work because the angles are too indirect and all the different parts create too much slack and wiggle to get a good push/pull on the TC rails. I have a question, I've lost the oval shaped pieces that go on the 4wd shift rail (circled on your photo here). I believe they have little detents in them to hold them to the S-curve pieces. I'll probably have to fab my own if I go back to the single stick, does anybody know where to buy those pieces or can you tell me the measurements on them so I can recreate them?

 

these

or this

 

Yes that's what I'm talking about in the top photo

 

Thanks to everybody for the tips and thanks to Twin2 for sending me those missing pieces that are apparently irreplaceable (DO NOT LOSE THOSE EVERYBODY). I made an adapter plate and got my original single shifter linkage hooked back up and much to my excitement it is shifting even smoother than it did before all this mess started. Still some trimming to do on the adapter plate so it'll fit under the floor pans but almost finished now.

 

I'm happy that worked out for you. Those nylon(?) washers should help a lot with eliminating wobble. The bronze bushing the bolt goes through can also be replaced pretty easily. I did mine and it helped tighten things up.