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Thread: Isuzu MSA gearbox shifter conversion

  1. #1
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    Isuzu MSA gearbox shifter conversion

    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).

    20210915_115047.jpg
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
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    What is the truck you are building?

  3. #3
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    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....


  4. #4
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    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.

  5. #5
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    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.

  6. #6
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    Another option. Vw amarok shifter

    GH010188. VW shifter to Isuzu MSA - YouTube

  7. #7
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    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.

  8. #8
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    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.
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Vern View Post
    Another option. Vw amarok shifter

    GH010188. VW shifter to Isuzu MSA - YouTube
    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.

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Don 130 View Post
    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.

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