Twin stick really worth it? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

PaRedneckRiders · 01-19-2012, 08:51 PM

Picked up an np205 off my buddy in trade for my 208, idk he just really wanted a 208. But anyway im going to pull it apart to clean it and paint it prob replace bearings seals and gaskets but i was wondering if i should go ahead and turn it into a twin stick case. I have been toying around with the idea for a while now but im not sure if there is ever going to be an instance where i need to be able to use the axles separately.
For anyone that has done it do you think it was worth it or do you think you should have just left it single stick.
Its going to be in my woods/mud truck.

1969K10 · 01-19-2012, 09:32 PM

I don't think there is any great advantage to having one. However, when I bought mine, it was cheaper than a single stick. That being said, I think engaging the front axle is much easier (smoother) w/ a twin than a single. For what it's worth, I didn't finish the conversion, I can't engage the front unless the rear is already there, just installed the twin sticks.

turp mcspray · 01-19-2012, 10:19 PM

I ran a home made twin stick for many years. I used 2 lo, all the time in the woods. To me, that was main reason for it. After having it, I'm not sure I could ever go back to not having it.

willett · 01-20-2012, 12:53 AM

2 lo is great if you need to back up a steep incline on pavement

PaRedneckRiders · 01-20-2012, 07:47 AM

I did see that JKW Offroad makes a kit to convert the 205 to twin stick but the full kit is $265.00 if i were to do it i think i might just get there rails and make my own stick set up.

snj8198 · 01-20-2012, 01:08 PM

I swear I seen one here somewhere

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=503344

PaRedneckRiders · 01-20-2012, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snj8198

I swear I seen one here somewhere

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=503344

Haha, ill have to think about it.

Mr. 250r · 01-21-2012, 03:31 AM

My brother uses it mainly to just rip around in fwd just because but I think you lose the lower gearing going to a 205 but i could be wrong but I'm pretty sure a 241 has lower gearing not sure on 208
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wilkin250r · 01-21-2012, 04:18 AM

I see a lot of people talking about 2-LO, and I'll be honest, I use it alot myself. I do a lot of things with my truck, and 2-LO is handy for pulling a car out of ditch or maneuvering a trailer in a tight spot.

However, I don't think a twin stick is necessary unless you actually want to use the front axle alone. 2-LO can easily be accomplished by setting your transfer case in 4-LO and unlocking the front hubs.

DirtyLarry · 01-21-2012, 08:37 PM

I run an ORD twin stick 205 behind a NV4500. I really could care less about having a twin stick but it was the only easy and durable way to rig up a 205 shifter behind a NV4500. Contrary to popular belief, a 205 is not like a Dana 300 where a twin stick shifter will yield you the ability to do front digs. You must modify the shift rail if you want to spin only the front axle.

From ORD’s website:
“New modified shift rails are not currently available. In the meantime we are modifying stock rails to accomplish the same thing: to get front wheel drive only. We build them up and run them through both the mill and the lathe here, doing it right involves much more than a grinder. Charge is $85 with a $125 core charge (we can wait to receive your rails and waive the core charge)”

You also do not need a twin stick to achieve 2lo. Simply shift the 205 in to low range without locking the hubs as Wilkin mentioned. That gets you 2 low. I used 2low for years in my dad’s wrecker when backing up cars into tight spots as I didn’t have to ride the clutch and the truck would just creep while I concentrated on backing up the towed car. I still use 2 low in the NV4500 often when backing up the driveway into the shop.

BTW….National Drivetrain sells a great reseal kit. For $23 you get ever gasket for every 205 combination in one convenient kit.

85chevy383 · 01-21-2012, 08:44 PM

I've done it with a grinder just going off pics I found online, works great for me

Posted via Mobile Device

1malo68 · 01-24-2012, 05:47 AM

I bought the ORD shift rails and twin sticks. I like the idea of being able to do front digs if I need to. With an air locker in front and the right emergency brake set up, you can make some awful tight turns when you need to. Personally, I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it

PaRedneckRiders · 01-24-2012, 08:01 AM

Ok i was just looking at the ord kit and the parts add up to $295 but jkw sells a kit for $265 is there a difference in quality or is there something else that i am missing?
I also heard that the kits wont work on some of the t-case adapters, which ones does it not work on?

01-19-2012, 08:51 PM	#1
PaRedneckRiders Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Armagh,PA Posts: 138	Twin stick really worth it? Picked up an np205 off my buddy in trade for my 208, idk he just really wanted a 208. But anyway im going to pull it apart to clean it and paint it prob replace bearings seals and gaskets but i was wondering if i should go ahead and turn it into a twin stick case. I have been toying around with the idea for a while now but im not sure if there is ever going to be an instance where i need to be able to use the axles separately. For anyone that has done it do you think it was worth it or do you think you should have just left it single stick. Its going to be in my woods/mud truck.

01-19-2012, 09:32 PM	#2
1969K10 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Clarks Hill, Indiana Posts: 733	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I don't think there is any great advantage to having one. However, when I bought mine, it was cheaper than a single stick. That being said, I think engaging the front axle is much easier (smoother) w/ a twin than a single. For what it's worth, I didn't finish the conversion, I can't engage the front unless the rear is already there, just installed the twin sticks. __________________ 1969 K10 - V8, 465, 205, 12 bolt, D44 2002-current 1969 K20 - V8, 465, 221, Eaton, D44 2012-current Nothin' but drums on all 4 corners! past horses in the stable 72 C10-short step (97-02), 68 C10-long fleet (06-12)

01-19-2012, 10:19 PM	#3
turp mcspray Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Rapid City South Dakota Posts: 2,359	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I ran a home made twin stick for many years. I used 2 lo, all the time in the woods. To me, that was main reason for it. After having it, I'm not sure I could ever go back to not having it. __________________ Turp Mcspray New life for an old 2wd, farm blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=505987 My Blazer build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=342299

01-20-2012, 12:53 AM	#4
willett Another Day, Another Dollar Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: North Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,316	Re: Twin stick really worth it? 2 lo is great if you need to back up a steep incline on pavement __________________ -78 K20 Cheyenne 454 long box, 4" lift, 35" MT's, '84 cab, '80 box "its hip to be square"

01-20-2012, 07:47 AM	#5
PaRedneckRiders Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Armagh,PA Posts: 138	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I did see that JKW Offroad makes a kit to convert the 205 to twin stick but the full kit is $265.00 if i were to do it i think i might just get there rails and make my own stick set up.

01-20-2012, 01:08 PM	#6
snj8198 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Star Valley, WY Posts: 2,038	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I swear I seen one here somewhere http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=503344 __________________ Steve 1971 GMC Longbox. Full Roller Stroker 489 w/ FiTech EFI, Chris Straub Cam/NV4500/205/D60/14B w. Grizzly Locker and 4.11's. 2" Lift on 33's

01-21-2012, 03:31 AM	#8
Mr. 250r Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: freeburg, illinois Posts: 885	Re: Twin stick really worth it? My brother uses it mainly to just rip around in fwd just because but I think you lose the lower gearing going to a 205 but i could be wrong but I'm pretty sure a 241 has lower gearing not sure on 208 Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1987 Chevy V30 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=573854 1988 IROC-Z Camaro - 305/T5 T-Top 1989 GMC V35 - Marbolo Express http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=596850 1991 V2500 Suburban Silverado - Sold 1991 V2500 Suburban Scottsdale - Big Nasty http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=497423 2001 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 EC DRW - Sold 2003 1500 Silverado 2004 Ram 3500 5.9 H.O NV56 CC DRW - Sold 2005 Silverado 2500HD 6.6/ZF6 CC LWB

01-21-2012, 04:18 AM	#9
wilkin250r Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada Posts: 755	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I see a lot of people talking about 2-LO, and I'll be honest, I use it alot myself. I do a lot of things with my truck, and 2-LO is handy for pulling a car out of ditch or maneuvering a trailer in a tight spot. However, I don't think a twin stick is necessary unless you actually want to use the front axle alone. 2-LO can easily be accomplished by setting your transfer case in 4-LO and unlocking the front hubs.

01-21-2012, 08:37 PM	#10
DirtyLarry Windy Corner of a Dirty Street Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Pueblo West, Colorado Posts: 2,926	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I run an ORD twin stick 205 behind a NV4500. I really could care less about having a twin stick but it was the only easy and durable way to rig up a 205 shifter behind a NV4500. Contrary to popular belief, a 205 is not like a Dana 300 where a twin stick shifter will yield you the ability to do front digs. You must modify the shift rail if you want to spin only the front axle. From ORD’s website: “New modified shift rails are not currently available. In the meantime we are modifying stock rails to accomplish the same thing: to get front wheel drive only. We build them up and run them through both the mill and the lathe here, doing it right involves much more than a grinder. Charge is $85 with a $125 core charge (we can wait to receive your rails and waive the core charge)” You also do not need a twin stick to achieve 2lo. Simply shift the 205 in to low range without locking the hubs as Wilkin mentioned. That gets you 2 low. I used 2low for years in my dad’s wrecker when backing up cars into tight spots as I didn’t have to ride the clutch and the truck would just creep while I concentrated on backing up the towed car. I still use 2 low in the NV4500 often when backing up the driveway into the shop. BTW….National Drivetrain sells a great reseal kit. For $23 you get ever gasket for every 205 combination in one convenient kit. __________________ Current vehicle collection: 1978 Chevrolet K10, 8.1L, NV4500, NP205 1989 Chevrolet Suburban, 8.1L, NV4500, NP241 1993 Chevrolet C1500 Sportside, TBI 7.4L, 4L60E 2001 Chevrolet K2500HD, Ext Cab, SWB, 8.1L, ZF 6 speed 2014 Chevrolet Impala LTZ 3.6L Vortec 8.1L because life is too short to tolerate underpowered vehicles Instagram Last edited by DirtyLarry; 01-21-2012 at 08:46 PM.

01-21-2012, 08:44 PM	#11
85chevy383 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Splendora Texas Posts: 87	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I've done it with a grinder just going off pics I found online, works great for me Posted via Mobile Device __________________ My 85 build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=497551

01-24-2012, 05:47 AM	#12
1malo68 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Lost Wages, NV Posts: 201	Re: Twin stick really worth it? I bought the ORD shift rails and twin sticks. I like the idea of being able to do front digs if I need to. With an air locker in front and the right emergency brake set up, you can make some awful tight turns when you need to. Personally, I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it Attached Images __________________ 1968 K10/30 *Frame Off Project "Overkill"* My 5 year, $30,000.00 toy

01-24-2012, 08:01 AM	#13
PaRedneckRiders Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Armagh,PA Posts: 138	Re: Twin stick really worth it? Ok i was just looking at the ord kit and the parts add up to $295 but jkw sells a kit for $265 is there a difference in quality or is there something else that i am missing? I also heard that the kits wont work on some of the t-case adapters, which ones does it not work on?



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