Isuzu MSA gearbox shifter conversion

[dodgybloke]

Hi, my first post but I have been a viewer of this site for a long time and found the information really valuable. Hopefully the post works....

I thought I would share what I have done to use an Isuzu MSA gearbox. Part of it might be useful to someone.

Please don't be too harsh on the steel work.... it won't be visible under the floor of the vehicle and while it could look better it works well. If I was to do a second version it could be improved in a number of ways.

I originally intended to use the shifter cables, the main reason being the lack of options for a top mounted shifter.

To use the gearbox I made a bracket to use the factory mounting points on top. This bracket then bolts onto a lower cross member between the chassis rails. The idea of converting the shifter to a top mount was made much later but it seemed logical to incorporate the shifter into the bracket on the top of the gearbox.

The Isuzu shifter mechanism (alloy color in the photos) is what is used in the Isuzu cab over trucks. Using this made it really quite easy and the shift patterns work really well. It has been cut down to reduce its size but I was still able to retain and use the original mounting holes. Within reason the height of this could be made higher or lower as needed.

The components to attach the cables have been kept in case I ever change back to a cable shifter.
Cheers
Peter

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One limitation to this is the floor of the vehicle. It suits what I'm doing as I'm prepared to modify the floor. (still a long way from being finished)

The exposed shifter mechanism will be covered with another removable piece, which will include the original soft gear shifter cover (modified to fit).

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[Fattima]

What is the truck you are building?

[dodgybloke]

It's not a restoration, a bit of a few things. The panels from the dash forward are Dodge Weapons Carrier so it will look like one of those, but not original. It has been changed to RHD. The chassis is a few years younger, but still a Dodge 4x4...

I'll also attach a YouTube clip of the gearbox....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFe0UQi-Tf0

[Vern]

Got a box with the same set up, haven't used this set up yet, but if i do i'll change the shift rods to 10mm to stop them flexing. Or if Sheldon makes me a defender kit i'll use that over this.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20211008/0387c59d79b2b55a099a88e8bf7bc03d.jpg

[dodgybloke]

I spent a lot of time looking for an Isuzu off the shelf option but without success. For what I'm doing what I've done should work well.

[Vern]

Another option. Vw amarok shifter

GH010188. VW shifter to Isuzu MSA - YouTube (https://youtu.be/5h_FdKaFZ9I)

[Vern]

From my experience playing with these boxes, you want a pretty solid shift mechanism, too much slop and flex will make the gear changes tricky, even if it shifts ok when not in motion, driving it is another thing.

[dodgybloke]

Thanks for the advice Vern , it was a big step to try the conversion so any advice from experience is great.

I have seen the conversion using the VW shifter, it's a great bit of work. Would love to see more detail on how it was done.

I tried to preempt some of what you have said and had some components machined and used bronze bushes. It's also hard to see the roll pin used in one of the shafts. I kept the shift rods short and relatively straight. There are a couple of points for lubrication. There is very little free play in any of the mechanism.

I'm hoping what I've done is more direct than the standard cable shifters. Time will tell. It's for that reason I've kept the factory linkages, if I have to go back to cable shifters it's a relatively simple exercise.

[Don 130]

Another option. Vw amarok shifter

GH010188. VW shifter to Isuzu MSA - YouTube (https://youtu.be/5h_FdKaFZ9I)

I've been speaking to Sheldon today about that VW shifter that AM (Noel) made. I'd like to find out more about it and what VW the shifter comes from. I tried sending AM (Noel) a PM, but his mailbox is full. does anyone have any other way of contacting him? I want a shifter solution for an MSA 5R
Don.

[Vern]

I've been speaking to Sheldon today about that VW shifter that AM (Noel) made. I'd like to find out more about it and what VW the shifter comes from. I tried sending AM (Noel) a PM, but his mailbox is full. does anyone have any other way of contacting him? I want a shifter solution for an MSA 5R
Don.That shifter is on Bearmans msa box, pm him. Its upside down pattern, but no biggy.

1 3 5
R 2 4

[rar110]

Did Brian swap out the LT95 in the 6x6?

[Vern]

Did Brian swap out the LT95 in the 6x6?Yes, and no.
He did for a while, then had a noise, had a trip planned so swapped the lt95 back in, as you do, now he is waiting on a different ratio msa box to turn up. But i'm sure he can explain[emoji1].
He did say he really liked the msa though

[goingbush]

Dodgybloke was that you I saw a on US Forum building a Dodge WC in Australia using Isuzu 3.9 . if I find a need to repower my Power Wagon I'd think about going the same way . What diff ratios are you running? these trucks are originally 5.83, I changed to 4.3 ring & pinions . I'm running 10.5x35R17's and the 230 is only good for about 90kmh @2600rpm .

if your running original axles with the Budd pattern I got some 17x9 tubeless rims made locally, they are an item now if you need some.

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[Don 130]

That shifter is on Bearmans msa box, pm him. Its upside down pattern, but no biggy.

1 3 5
R 2 4

Damien, You have an MSA gearbox don't you? What type of shifter do you have, and are you happy with it? Sheldon told me he'll be building a shifter for someone else soon, but he didn't elaborate.
I've discovered that AM's VW shifter is based on a generic item that goes into VW, Seat, Audi, Skoda vehicles.

VW Audi Seat Skoda Shift Linkage Gear Lever Switchbox Switch Housing 1K0711061B | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/275006068163?hash=item4007a395c3:g:rB0AAOSw5cRZKXr t)

Don.

[Vern]

Damien, You have an MSA gearbox don't you? What type of shifter do you have, and are you happy with it? Sheldon told me he'll be building a shifter for someone else soon, but he didn't elaborate.
I've discovered that AM's VW shifter is based on a generic item that goes into VW, Seat, Audi, Skoda vehicles.

VW Audi Seat Skoda Shift Linkage Gear Lever Switchbox Switch Housing 1K0711061B | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/275006068163?hash=item4007a395c3:g:rB0AAOSw5cRZKXr t)

Don.Yes i do, but mine is to suit a rangie/disco1. Its one of Sheldons early ones. Now from memory, he is making me a defender shift kit[emoji846]

[dodgybloke]

Dodgybloke was that you I saw a on US Forum building a Dodge WC in Australia using Isuzu 3.9 . if I find a need to repower my Power Wagon I'd think about going the same way . What diff ratios are you running? these trucks are originally 5.83, I changed to 4.3 ring & pinions . I'm running 10.5x35R17's and the 230 is only good for about 90kmh @2600rpm .

if your running original axles with the Budd pattern I got some 17x9 tubeless rims made locally, they are an item now if you need some.

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Hi Goingbush


Apologies for being slow to reply.

I don't post a lot but I have mentioned it on a US forum. Yes it is an Isuzu but it's the 4bg1. In terms of dimensions it fits in the engine bay well.

In terms of diffs, I can't comment, I'm not using the standard diffs. I'm using newer diffs from a Dodge Ram.

I've seen a few of your posts on the PW you have. Good work, and very hard to get these in Australia. It's come up well.

If you would like more info on what I've done happy to share.


Peter

[Don 130]

And now this (https://quickdrawbrand.com/product/perentie-isuzu-diesel-tremec-tr-4050-5-speed-conversion-kit/) has happened, so I'll have to count my pennies.
Don

[Corgie Carrier]

They are only 235miles from where my brother lives. Might get him to check one out.