Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

I just bought this 1969 K10 Stepside and was wondering why the 4x4 shift lever does not come out of the original hole. Someone created a new slot but you can see in the photos the original hole and boot. I tried to take photos from beneath the truck but it was not easy.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

The Rockwell 221 has been replaced with a np 205...not a bad thing.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Yeah, '69 was the last year GM used the Rockwell 221 transfer case before going to the New Process 205. Parts are much easier and plenty of NP205s around to swap in. That transfer case was used until the end of the R/V series 9Square body) in '91. To make it right, other than patching the hole, all you need to to is buy a 4spd/205 transmission hump and swap them. Then it's just a matter of the hole in the rubber floor covering

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Thank you. You have answered my next question. I can just replace the high hump with a different one and it will all look original. You have made my day. I am taking the truck to the body shop today.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Why replace the hump? Just patch the hole and get a new rubber mat if you are staying with that look. The new mats Ive used you have to cut the holes in the mat to suit.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

So that way you have nice factory cut holes to perfect dimensions. That, and if someone like myself were closer, I would happily trade floor humps so I don't have to hack up my nice original one when I swap transmissions and covert the t-case to twin stick.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

I was going to say, another option is rig up a Rockwell shift to sit in place and have the twin stick look. It would be up to you to bedazzle the marvelers or bring them back down to earth with honesty :lol:. I've always swapped the righ hump when doing swaps just because it's so easy. Most times I just got the hump from the vehicle I got the transfer case from

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

I am not sure I understand the reference to "twin stick"? But I sure do appreciate all the wisdom and suggestions.
I already found a high hump with holes in the correct original locations so I will go with that. I am proceeding with a full restoration so I may as well use the best parts I can find.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

I like this thread for these reasons.

1). OP is very polite.
2). OP wants to be as original as he can.
3). OP has a pretty truck.
4). OP has and wants to keep his manual tranny! (Very nice).

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

If you can find a 70, 71 or 72 np205 shifter and knob to stick up through the floor, it sure would make my OCD feel better. Lol

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

I have the same OCD. I recently saw an ad for a couple of shifter knobs on the For Sale forum. I will see what I can find!

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

If you don't have any luck finding one, let me know. I may have an extra one laying around the shop.:metal:

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Twin stick refers to a way a transfer case can be set up for more extreme 4 wheeling where each axle can be engaged independently for extreme situations. Not a thing you would want (pretty sure)

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Wow I didn't know that either. That sounds pretty interesting! I remember seeing one guys build thread on here that had I think 4 shifters coming out of the floor. It was one of the coolest/scariest things I've seen. I believe one was for his manual transmission then he had another shifter for overdrive. The other two must be the twin stick your referring to. I guess I forgot to ask the guy and now I can't find that build thread. Would be something to impress the friends with as well as detour the idiots that steal.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

That takes some modifying of the shift rails to achieve this. Twin sticks on a stock t-case just gives you the stock positions plus 2 low.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Thanks. I looked in the parts for sale but all I could find were old postings. But I also discovered that I need to know what thread I need. Right now I took the knob off but I need to make a trip to the hardware store to verify the threads. To me it looks like it is 3/8" but I want to make sure. In the meanwhile could you check to see what you have and what threads it is? Thanks again.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Thanks for explaining that. I think you are right about "not a thing I would want". Right now my life is complicated enough without adding things to the pile. Thanks, George.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

your transfer case, as others have said is a 205, best transfer cases ever put in a gm truck, you are going to want to find a shift lever from a 71 or 72 , the shift lever in your truck now is from a 73 or newer truck, it is shorter and straight....the one you want , in order to be original looking is longer and has a bend in it ,it bends back towards the seat...they are hard to find but they are out there....I can post a pic if you want...

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Yes, I’ll take a look tomorrow. I’m pretty sure I have a few extra 71-72 np 205 black shifters with knobs. I’ll post a for sale ad in truck parts giving you first option to buy. I believe your lower linkage and pivot bolt will work with 71-72 shifter so you shouldn’t need those parts.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

I think I know what you mean. It always looked strange to me but I did not really know why. If you could post a photo then perhaps I could use that photo in a WTB ad. I think the correct lever makes sense, works better, and looks good. Do you think the 205 is a 1973 or newer and that is perhaps where the lever came from? I wish I had the lever that was thrown away

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

georgieb51, I posted correct 71-72 np205 shifter for sale in truck parts this morning. Sorry I don't have extra knob for it but it does have knob lock nut. You have first option to buy if interested, just let me know. Thanks

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

You will want a hump out of a 71-72 only as the 1970 np205 shifters came up through a center hole for both auto and manual. A 1970 manual np205 got an odd looking shifter to clear the transmission shifter.
Both styles of '70 shifter in pic. Tranny shifter is wrong style.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

So it looks like both holes line up front to back? There is a local fellow on my CL who has 6 humps for sale for $50. each.

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

1970 do or close. 71-72 are located where your current shifter comes through, more towards the passenger side.

Here is 71-72

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

Super nice super you have there. That helps..

Re: Why is my 4x4 shift lever in a different location.
 

The picture of the underside of your trans cover helps answer a question I had on my 69 K10. I see the original shifter position for the Rockwell was also crudely cut at the factory it appears. Looks the same as the crude cut on my earlier built 69.