D20 questions

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Aug 12, 2011 | 08:50 PM

70truck

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 61

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From: Backwoods, SC

D20 questions

I'm still toying with swaping a D20 onto my mated 435/D21 combo. But I have a few more questions. What is the difference between the "T" handle and the "J" pattern? Which is better? And Why? Also to install the D20, will I have to add or change any brackets? And I read the driveshaft has to be modified. Is that true? If so, How? Thanks

Aug 13, 2011 | 12:59 AM

DrainBramage

Senior User

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 215

Likes: 0

From: California

My brothers Bronco has the J Shift Dana20 T-case, can't really say if one is better than the other or not. The 'hot upgrade' for a D20 of any shifter flavor is a BC Broncos Twin Stick Shifter. All the D20s I've had a chance to play with were fickle and can be tough to shift, the one twin stick I played with seemed really nice.

You might jump over and ask in the FTE 66-77 Early Bronco section. These guys have forgotten more about the D20 than I will ever know.

As to your other questions, I don't really have answers. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

Aug 15, 2011 | 10:06 AM

gfw1985

Cranky Old Guy

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 3,562

Likes: 6

From: Raphine, Virginia

"T" shift is a straight line shifter with a lower low range ratio. "J" shifter, you usually have to hunt a bit for the gears. I prefer the "T", but the "J" is easier to twin stick. I have not done this swap in your vehicle. Doing the swap in my Bronco, I used your tranny, a 1" adapter($200), and a six cylinder intermediate housing and shaft from an early Bronco. This put everything back in the same exact location. Hope this helps you somewhat. Shame you're not just a little closer, we'd do the swap.