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

[georgieb51]

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.

[52napco]

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

[special-K]

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

[georgieb51]

Originally Posted by special-K

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

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.

[CG]

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.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by CG

Why replace the hump?

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.

[georgieb51]

Originally Posted by 1972RedNeck

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.

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.

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by georgieb51

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.

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).

[72chevynut]

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

[special-K]

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 . 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

[special-K]

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)

[ryans69chevy]

Originally Posted by special-K

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)

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.

[1972RedNeck]

Originally Posted by special-K

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)

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.

[georgieb51]

Originally Posted by special-K

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)

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.

[El Dorado Jim]

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...

[georgieb51]

Originally Posted by El Dorado Jim

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...

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

[CKfan]

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.