Transfer case shift tower difference?

Hello Chaps,

I am trying to figure out how to get my 1988 110 to have the correct shift pattern for the transfer case. I have searched the internet and studied my parts manual and see that the shift arm and corresponding lever were 180 degrees out from normal. My shift pattern is backwards for high and lo ranges, works fine it just bugs me being backwards. I have a LT85 transmission with a LT230 transfer box with 36D as the designator on it.

I thought it would be an easy fix but what I have come across now is that the lever when tried the right way will not mount to the slide shaft. It hits the top of the transmission. In the pictures I have seen the arm always extends past the side of the transmission allowing free movement. My question is are there different top mounts that could be fitted to move the location of the transfer case shifter side to side? The top of my transmission if fairly rectangular. I have attached a poor photo. (sorry didn't want to pull the tunnel on a work night). Any help on ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers

hi should be lever back ,lt85 transfer box has a the shaft in its hi/low housing mounted 90 degrees different to normal so in effect linkage pulls the lever up and down rather than backwards and forwards on std t/boxes ,lever in works the same as other defenders,depending on which spline and which way round cam lever fits on spline in pic determines how far forward or back lever needs to go to engage either hi or low and which is forward and which is back ,side to side is difflock it doesnt matter were lever is hi/lo or neutral or in between for it to work and vice a versa for hi lo

jamesmartin said:

hi should be lever back ,lt85 transfer box has a the shaft in its hi/low housing mounted 90 degrees different to normal so in effect linkage pulls the lever up and down rather than backwards and forwards on std t/boxes ,lever in works the same as other defenders,depending on which spline and which way round cam lever fits on spline in pic determines how far forward or back lever needs to go to engage either hi or low and which is forward and which is back ,side to side is difflock it doesnt matter were lever is hi/lo or neutral or in between for it to work and vice a versa for hi lo

Click to expand...

Currently high is front and low is back. I try reposition the lever 180 degrees to get it to shift in the correct pattern and I can't get the arm to remount on the splines. It hits the top of the transmission in this position. In the parts manual it has two gear change assemblies: FRC 7941 for the LT230 with the LT85 and FRC 9555 for the LT230 with the LT77. The operating arm is the same part number for both FRC 5478. It seems like I need to be able to position that operating arm to the right about 3-4 cm to allow it free movement in the correct plane.

the assemblies are the same apart from how the arm locates, the lever at t/box end needs to be pushed down for lo pulled up for high,by the curved rod rather than a straight rod used on other boxes

My problem is that the arm hits the top of the transmission and won't mount back to the assembly if I mount it so it will pull the t/box lever in the correct shift pattern. The only way i can get it to work is mounting it 180 degrees out and then it is shifting backwards. I don't know if maybe there was a mix mash of parts that were put together or not. Judging by the parts book and the linkage on the side of the transmission I will need the straight rod when I get the arm situated correctly. The one in place now has been bent in a sort of "C" shape to allow it to work in the reversed position. This is a previous owner debacle. Always fun.

the straight rod isnt for an lt85 it is the curved rod you need, what position is arm on the t/box

From what I can tell the lever on the t/box is in the correct position. It is currently in High range. It moves toward the rear of the vehicle to go into low range. If the operating arm could clear the transmission while pointed down or slightly forward it would work like it is supposed to. but as it is currently it hits the top of the transmission to the left of the vent tubes and that bolt for the top cover plate. I will take a picture tomorrow when the sun is out of the arm and the interference. Thank you for the help

P.S. Don't mind the wire in the pin. I have a new split pin waiting to go in when I am done taking this apart and putting it back together

the lever at the t /box is the wrong one or has moved it should point forwards when box is in neutral,its the difference between a box suitable for lt85 or lt77 etc,you can undo the 6 bolts and swap whole housing or swap the lever/shaft , some have 2 grub screw holes for the internal lever meaning lever can be set forth both lt85 and lt77

I see. And rotating that lever forward should give the clearance I need by setting the operating arm more forward as well. Thank you James.

you may need another shaft or complete used housing if you can lay your hands on one

the shaft/lever above is the ltt77 types as yours appears to be as you can see black grub screw location hole is roughly 180 degrees from the lever, for an lt85 the grub screw hole needs to be roughly 90 degrees
frc8899 is lt85 shaft

Thanks again James. I know my 110 had an automatic cobbled into it before I bought it. Might the difference have come from the t/box possibly being off an automatic? Just curious for the knowledge.

t/box with housing that was fitted wasnt fitted to an lt85 previously, its not a commonly known difference though easy to swap

Gotcha. Thank you very much