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3. Toyota L/C Twin Sticks & Front Drive Shaft Kits

TRANSFER CASE LINKAGES: The 3 speed transfer case vacuum shift linkage rod will need to be repositioned so that the pivot point will be on the inside of the frame rail and directly below the firewall linkage rod. The metric threaded bracket (supplied with the 3 speed kits) will permit you to bolt the two rods together and then locate the bracket in a neutral position to the two rods. We do not recommend the pivot location be installed on the engine. This pivot bracket, P/N 716024, is only required on vacuum controlled transfer cases. We have found that most customers prefer to update their transfer case to the mechanical shift linkage.

3 & 4 Speed Mechanical Linkages: The stock Land Cruiser 3 & 4 speed transfer case linkages used a pivot stud that mounted to the stock 3 or 4 speed transmission. When changing to a new transmission, we offer many brackets that allow the mounting of this pivot stud. Due to the various widths of conversion transmissions, there may be some modifications necessary to the shifter linkage to obtain proper shifting. Most of the brackets we manufacture do not allow you to retain the stock sheet metal gating shift guide.

The mechanical linkages on late model 3 speed and 4 speed transfer cases are all in a relative location from the front of the transfer case. If you are using an adapter that requires the relocation of your transfer case, a new hole through the floorboard will be required for your transfer case linkage. On some transmission retrofits (such as TH400 or 700R), we have had customers bend the transfer case shift handle to fit back through the original hole in the floorboard to alleviate this floorboard modification.

On some engine conversions, we have seen the mechanical shift linkage location end up being directly beneath the passenger side seat. This is usually caused by the engine location, which is sitting too tight against the firewall. The only remedy is to modify the shift handle of the transfer case control lever so that it comes forward of the seating area. Before final engine and drivetrain locations are set, we recommend test fitting your transfer case linkage.

The 1975-80 FJ40 vehicles used a different type of mechanical transfer case linkage than the earlier Land Cruisers. The early mechanical linkage used a bellcrank system to operate the high/low shift lever. The 1975-80 linkage simplified the shifter by eliminating the bellcrank and having a rod fasten directly to the High/Low lever, thus making this linkage easier to install and better suited for the transfer case. Whenever possible, we recommend using this later model designed mechanism for an easier installation.

In August 1980, the transfer case linkage on the FJ40s and the newer FJ60 vehicles (equipped with the split-case aluminum transfer case design) used a pivot pin similar to the 1975-80 four speed design. Most of our transfer case linkage brackets were not designed for the split-style transfer case; however, most of our brackets can be modified to accommodate this linkage. Before installing the drivetrain back into the vehicle, you should test fit your transfer case linkage and make the necessary modifications. Make sure that your linkage properly shifts into all ratios and that the installation into the vehicle permits the transfer case lever to properly engage and disengage 4WD.

Land Cruisers originally equipped with an automatic were also equipped with a vacuum actuator for the stock transfer case. This transfer case should not require any additional linkage.3 & 4 Speed Mechanical Linkages Brackets:

The pivot shaft for these mechanical transfer case linkages was located on the side of the stock transmission. This pivot shaft location is roughly 2" different between the 3 speed transmissions and the 4 speed transmissions. The 3 speed linkage pivot was closer to the front of the transfer case than that of the 4 speed. The brackets listed below are mainly designed around the 4 speed pivot position. When using one of our brackets listed below on a vehicle previous equipped with a 3 speed, the transfer case bracket may require some modifications to fit your linkage.

The 10 spline (3 speed transmission) transfer case used either a vacuum or mechanical linkage. On the transfer case adapter kits replacing the stock 3 speed transmission, a shifter bracket for both of these types of linkages is not supplied in our adapter kits. On 10 spline transfer cases that are a mechanical linkage, you can call and receive a bracket at no charge. (Note: These brackets are designed around the 4 speed applications. Some modifications to your stock linkage may still be necessary). On vacuum operated linkages, we offer pivot bracket 716024.

The 16 spline (4 speed transmission) and the 19 spline (split-case) transfer cases are both mechanical linkages. Most kits for these transfer cases include a transfer case shifter bracket to retain the mechanical linkages. Some problems retaining these linkages do occur. The most common problem is the mode lever (2WD to 4WD shifter). Due to the various transmission widths, this portion of the shifter sometimes requires modifications to fit properly into the transfer case Mode shifter shaft.

To simplify the transfer case shifter mechanism we have designed a new adjustable twin stick Land Cruiser transfer case shifter. Our new linkage kits still require the pivot brackets listed below, but allow you a cleaner installation with a few additional options. The following page describes these new twin stick shifter kits.

715520 - TH400 linkage bracket 

715521 - TH350/700R linkage bracket 

715527 - SM420 linkage bracket 

715530 - SM465 linkage bracket 

715532 - NV4500 linkage bracket 

715539 - NV4500 linkage bracket (19 spline T/C)

Toyota Land Cruiser Transfer Case Twin Stick Shifters:The twin stick shifter was primarily developed to reconnect the transfer case linkage after installing one of our automatic adapter kits. The transfer case gets relocated further back which required shifter modifications. This is where the development of the twin stick originated. Once the concept and the first linkages were manufactured, the integration of the twin stick to our entire Land Cruiser product line along with a stock vehicle was initiated. As we started looking into the various applications, we soon realized the numerous configurations the twin stick kits would have to have. We currently produce five different versions of our twin stick kit. Kits exist to fit various drivetrain combinations. The differences in these kits are mainly the shift handle configuration and the rod lengths that shift the Mode and Range levers on the transfer case. Even though we produce five different kits, some kits will still require some bending of the shift handles for a proper fit into the vehicle; and once these handles are bent they will also require some welding. Other kits may also require some shortening of the Mode rod and Range rod. The kits listed below fit both 3 speed and 4 speed transfer cases. Note that when replacing a vacuum operated shift mechanism with our twin stick linkage, you will be required to purchase some additional stock components. The following are the most popular conversion applications:

715571 Chevy V8 with a SM420 or SM465 transmission and our transfer case adapter or Chevy V8 with the stock 4 speed

715572 Stock 6 cylinder with stock 4 speed

715573 Chevy V8 with TH350, 700R, & NV4500 transmission using our transfer case adapter

715573B Chevy V8 with a TH400 transmission using our transfer case adapter

715574 Twin stick kit for the TR4050 transmiaaion

Each kit requires the installation of a new Mode shaft which is part of the kit. These kits include a new pivot shaft and all new linkage components. The shift handles are not painted to allow you the option to do slight modifications or welding if your kit requires such.

TWIN STICK LINKAGE FJ60/62: We offer new twin stick shifter kit for the Toyota Land Cruiser 34MM and 38MM transfer cases. The new linkage will allow the transfer case to shift into High and Low range, and in-and-out of 4WD easily. This new product simplifies the stock Land Cruiser complex linkage. The twin stick benefits include: no linkage binding, no shifter gating, low 2WD option, smooth operation, 

715569 - Universal twin stick kit for the FJ60 and FJ62 (34MM and 38MM cases).

The Toyota twin stick kits come with a set of black knobs that are not labled. We do offer aluminum shifter knobs for the Toyota twin stick kits. These knobs are sold separately under 715584 for plain Aluminum or 715584-AA for Black Anodized.

FRONT DRIVESHAFT CLEARANCE: Front driveline clearance should be considered when installing a GM automatic, a NV4500 or a SM420 transmission. Normally, proper clearance can be achieved by offsetting the engine and drivetrain 1/2" to 1" towards the driver's side. When using a transmission such as a 700R, this offset may still not provide enough clearance. We offer a front output transfer case yoke assembly that will take the standard 4-1/4" to 4-1/2" diameter flange yoke and reduce it to 3-1/2". This kit comes with a new flange yoke, companion yoke, bearing cross, and drive shaft yoke for a 2" diameter tube. Using this kit will provide the additional clearance necessary for your conversion.

Land Cruiser transfer cases have used three different front output spline over the years. The early transfer case used a coarse 10 spline, the 1978 to 1980 transfer case used and 27 fine spline front output, and the late model used a 19 spline front output. The kits and descriptions below will help identify the correct kit for your application. We recommend that you verify your spline count.

716370 - Coarse spline yoke (10T) for June 1977 & earlier Land Cruisers

716371 - Fine spline yoke (27T) for July 1978 to July 1980 Land Cruisers

716369 - Split style transfer case (19 spline yoke) for August 1980 to 1989 Land Cruisers