1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Overdrive front/rear shift difference

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by CJ51962, Sep 23, 2014.

  1. Sep 23, 2014
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2013
    Messages:
    244
    I realize this will be obvious to many, but hey, we have to start learning somewhere...

    I'm wanting to get an overdrive from Herm, and already know I need a "rear shift" for the 29T x 6 spline. But what is a rear shift? Does that mean you throw the lever towards the rear of the jeep to engage OD?

    Thanks in "advance" (Pun intended)
     
  2. Sep 23, 2014
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    4,518
    Just means the OD shift linkage exits the OD to the rear. This is the most common linkage you will find.
     
  3. Sep 23, 2014
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2003
    Messages:
    8,126
    To expand on what Duffer said- originally the OD shift rail came out the front of the unit, but this caused shift linkage clearance issues with some tranyy/xfer case combinations so they modified the units to bring the shift rail out the back. Obviously these, as you have found, require different shift linkage rods. This happened fairly early in production so there aren't many "front shift" units around.

    H.
     
  4. Sep 23, 2014
    jeepermc

    jeepermc Active Member

    Western WA
    Joined:
    May 25, 2011
    Messages:
    1,193
    I've had a couple different front shift units but they don't work with the large hole transfer cases. The earlier cases have an indent? (for lack of a better term) on the case itself where the shift rail can fit into that isn't there on the later ones. Early cases can use both, big hole cases can only use rear shift. My diesel six has a front shift Dual matic in it currently.
     
  5. Sep 23, 2014
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2013
    Messages:
    244
    Perfect clarification guys. Thank you.
     
  6. Sep 23, 2014
    oldtime

    oldtime oldtime

    St. Charles,...
    Joined:
    Aug 14, 2006
    Messages:
    3,488
  7. Sep 23, 2014
    colojeepguy

    colojeepguy Colorado Springs

    At the foot of...
    Joined:
    Apr 4, 2010
    Messages:
    7,186
    Front vs. rear shift OD housings
    Sorry for the fuzzy pic, but you get the idea.

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Sep 24, 2014
    CJ51962

    CJ51962 Member

    Seattle
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2013
    Messages:
    244
    Awesome info. THANKS
     
New Posts