J Shifter T case troubles

Hey everyone, I have a 5 speed trans with the J shifter T case I had bought a couple of years ago and swapped into my 95' recently. This is a non-electronic actuator J shifter, which should keep things simple.

I installed the shifter after swapping the trans and found that I could not get the truck into 2WD. I took the shifter out and have been trying to get it set perfectly but I am worried my Tcase is having some problems.

For some reason, the left-sided shift rod will not move forward. The right side slides up and down with ease, but the L will not slide up into the configuration that allows 2wd.

Here are some pictures of the shift rods, I can slide the R one up and down, but the L one does not slide all the way forward... and according to other threads about the Tcase, the L one needs to slide all the way forward for my shifter to install properly. Anyone have this problem before?


Thank you

 

Here is my truck, just to grab some attention. I just swapped in a 1jz... runs great in 4wd so far lol

 

bump

 

The right side rail is for 2wd/4wd (shift knob will be positioned to the upper left side of the rail to engage the 2wd/4wd).

The left side rail is for the high/low position. IIRC, the up position is high range and when the rail is pushed down, it’s low range.

Two of the most common error I seen is installing the shifter into the wrong position/slot or the shifter itself got flipped when the retaining C clip was removed and put back wrong.

In this case, the right shift rail should be positioned all the way down (2wd) and the left shift rail should be positioned all the way up (high range). This way, when you shift 2wd to 4wd, the right rail slot will move up and aligned to the high range and allow the shifter to transverse to 4 high. Then when you move the shifter upward (which moves the left rail down) you’re engaging 4wd low.

Hopefully you understand

 

Also, it looks like your transfer case is modified for twin stick prior. The overlap piece from the top left side rail is missing unless the picture isn’t clear. If it is missing, you will not be able to run a standard 1 shifter, you’ll need a twin stick. I’m petty sure the pill box also got pulled off that’s the case.

Attached and circle in red is the overlap on the left side rail to the right side rail.

 

Thank you for the Info, based on the few videos and pictures I have seen online, I was confused because my shifter rails do not overlap like the pictures i found, and it came with a single shifter. That would be great if this was previously modified and I did not know, but were there any other possible J shift transfer cases that do not overlap like mine? It is hard to believe they cut off the overlapping section and reinstalled the single shifter.

I will try to reinstall the shifter correctly as you mentioned, but what you are saying about the twin stick configuration makes sense. What are you reffering to when you say pill box? thanks

 

For the folks who decided to do the twin stick typically will remove the “pill box” to allow 2wd low. If not, you can only go into low when in 4wd. The removal of the “pill box” allows the user to switch between high and low range in 2wd.


I worked on several VF case and every single one of them had the overlap.

 

Here are some photos of when I first got the trans, maybe someone can confirm that I am wrong about what I have. Interestingly enough, I installed a B&M short shifter onto the transmission (shifts just fine), and with the Tcase shifter installed the same way (primarily leaning to the left), the two shifters interfere with eachother... on top of me having a hard time figuring out the Tcase shifter configuration. Been real confused with all of this

 

I have a spare Tacoma J case somewhere. Let me see if I can dig it out

 

Here you go.

has overlap too

 

As shown, the case is in 2wd

 

I really appreciate all your help, unfortunately, I am finding differences in my shift rails from yours and other "normal" J shift tcases.

The 1st picture is my Tcase, and the 2nd is a J Shift Tcase from online. The thicker part of my shift rails seem to be different lengths and shape ... leading me to think I may have something else??

On top of that, my Left shift rail cannot go any farther forward than what is pictured... (unlike how yours and this other J shift Tcase appears).

 

The R154 is a 5 speed 2wd transmission unless it was just the bell housing that was use instead of converting the output to run the tcase.

Your post #1 first picture has the right rail downward, that should be the 2wd position. Is it in 4wd?

 

Try to remove the 2 bolt circle in red. Only thing I can think of is they’re too long and it’s clamping in the rail, preventing it from moving.

 

Correct, in order to mate the R150f to a Jz, you just need to bolt on the R154 bell housing, so the transmission has been untouched by me besides the bell housing

I will confirm soon if that is 2wd or 4wd, appreciate the help again

 

I will give this a shot