Borg Warner 1350 shift linkage question

[Deadkid9110]

I'm swapping the old 2.8l V6 for a 5.0 in my '85 Ranger. I'm going to use a C4 + Advance Adapter housing to mate it with the original BW1350 t-case. I'll throw this out there, I do not know jack sh*t about transmissions and transfer cases. When I was removing the old 5-speed transmission, I think I sawzall'd off the shifter linkage to the transfer case. Do I need this?

I'm only asking because the ranger will not be a daily driver pickup. It will be a fun messing around truck when it snows, and occasionally it will see mud. Maybe driven daily once in a while when I am working on my other vehicles. For the most part, the only reason I'm trying to get it running is to get it out of my garage.

My idea is that I could put the transfer case in 4x4, leave it there, and just adjust the manual lockout hubs if I really need to switch it between 2wd and 4wd. Besides ridicule for not doing it the "proper" way, will I run into any problems going this route? can I even do this?

 

[dangerranger83]

Ya you want the linkage, unless you dont want to ever use 4lo.


Also you going to be keeping the d28 under the front? It may not like (okay it wont) like a 5.0 on trails, mud, etc... that is assuming that the truck is still stock and all you have done is what you said up above.

 

[Deadkid9110]

Thank you for the reply. I do not plan on using 4-low, and I only plan on going through mud "puddles", so to speak. Nothing major, a 5.0 and some stock 235/75/15's should be able to climb out of easily. If I get stuck, I'm usually with some buddies anyways.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

A new linkage shouldn't set you back more than $20 from a JY.

You will wear out u-joints all around the front end faster but it shouldn't really hurt anything.

I bet you spent more time chewing through it with a sawzall than if you would have just taken out two bolts and slipped it off...