SM465 and Dana 20 Oddities

[rsavage]

My 69 Blazer came with a SM465 mated to a Dana 20 transfer case. While the Tub and frame are at the body shop, I have been refurbing and buying parts so when it returns, I can start putting it back together. Couple of things I've learned from both observation and talking with a tech at Novak 4X4.
The adapter is very rare and GM only. They only made under 5000 '69's and Dana and Rockwell TC's were used (not sure if NP's were available in 1968-9 when the first year was being built. Thousands upon thousands of Dana 20's were used in Jeeps, but adapters are different. Jeep seal and gasket kits will work except for the adapter to transmission - you have to make that one.
The shifter for the transfer case bolts to the adapter and is connected to the shift rods on the transfer case. The shifter actually moves side to side - drivers' side and back to put it in 2HI for example - again a very rare piece. (see restored shifter ring photo) The 465, after scraping 50 years of grease off was painted red oxide. The adapter was either bare or flat black - still looking for vestiges. The transmission has XA stenciled on both sides.