D18 Twin Stick Conversion

I have had a twin stick conversion sitting on my workbench for a couple of years now. I finally decided to install in place of the single stick. I have read many posts/threads here and have a couple questions. Can the conversion be completed with the t-case in the vehicle?

In one post it states the entire t-case needs to come apart. "Transfer case needs to come completely apart. Good time for a thorough rebuild." Thread: Interlock removal

In another post it says it can be done in the vehicle. "You don't need to pull the case unless you want to. I did the swap with the transfer case in place." Thread: 18 single to double shift conversion.

Also will I need to re-check end play? What else do I need to look for?

 

Don't know how you could change the shift rails with it in the vehicle. You can't get the set screw out of the rear shifting fork without removing the rear output shaft assembly. The transfer case must come apart to do this. I wouldn't even attempt it in the vehicle when it's so much easier to do it on the bench. Less chance of contaminants getting in there also.

 

Thanks Nick,
I just checked out another page and see what you mean. Are the shift rods different between the single stick and twin stick? Can you leave the shift rods in place and change the front bearing housing? Not against removing it just wondering.

 

Just finished the twin stick conversion. You definatly have to remove the transfer case to do it! Also easier to get a good seal replacement.

 

The shift rails are different and must be changed.

 

You need to take the entire transfer case apart. The shift rails need to be changed and one of the shift rails is the very last piece to come out of the case.

 

I cheated by using a hand grinder to cut out the notch in the end of the existing shift rail. It works great and I could reach it fine from the top by removing the floor plates. I figure that if it ever fails me, I can go back and replace the shift rail and go to the effort of disassembling the t-case.