'59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?


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Post Sun Aug 06, 2017 12:34 pm

'59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

Just got this truck. I understand 1,2,3rd, and reverse, but how do the other three shift handles to the right of the gear shifter work? It's got one closest to the glove box that has a squeeze handle on it, and then two more levers towards the bench seat.

Also, it has locking hubs. It's been a while since I had a vehicle with manual hubs. Run me through the process, if you could be so kind?

Golden Jubilee
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Post Sun Aug 06, 2017 1:33 pm

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

I would bet that you did not Google MisterB before you chose to use it.
I would have to make a guess at the levers to the right of the transmission shifter.
The lever with the "squeeze handle is most likely the parking brake or as it was known back in the day, emergency brake. When used as an emergency brake it was more often accompanied by the sound of screaming passengers as another old truck lost its brakes.
There are two possibilities for the other levers.
1) two shift levers for the transfer case. One lever might be for transfer case high and low range and the other lever for two or four wheel drive
2) one shift lever for the transfer case and possibly another for a power-take-off.
One sure way to know better is to go under the truck and see where the levers terminate.
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Thinking risks being controversial and possibly being offensive

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Post Sun Aug 06, 2017 4:17 pm

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

For those folks like me, who are more visual, a picture really helps. I will second Nikki on the squeeze handle one, emergency/park brake the other two-- look under the vehicle to see where they go. Again, Pictures will help.

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Post Sun Aug 06, 2017 4:23 pm

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

For those folks like me, who are more visual, a picture really helps. I will second Nikki on the squeeze handle one, emergency/park brake the other two-- look under the vehicle to see where they go. Again, Pictures will help.

Golden Jubilee
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Post Sun Aug 06, 2017 4:25 pm

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

Is it possible for the third lever to connect to the "poke chewloff ?" U hope CB89 sees this, he might verify, or not. The covfefe may be the missing link.
I would rather have tools I do not need than to need tools I do not have
Thinking risks being controversial and possibly being offensive

Golden Jubilee
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Post Sun Aug 06, 2017 4:57 pm

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

nikkinutshop wrote:Is it possible for the third lever to connect to the "poke chewloff ?" U hope CB89 sees this, he might verify, or not. The covfefe may be the missing link.

You bad!

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Post Mon Aug 07, 2017 12:21 am

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

Thanks. I'll post up some pictures, and go from there

Rusty Driver
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Post Tue Aug 08, 2017 4:52 am

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

Left Hand lever should be slightly taller - that one is for the front axle engagement.
It should have two positions:
Aft = front axle engaged.
Forward = Front axle NOT engaged.

Right Hand lever is the Range selector, with three positions:
Forward = Low range reduction.
Middle = Neutral - no drive to either axle.
Aft = High range - 1:1 ratio for normal street/highway use.

The linkage in the T-Case should have a built-in interlock that does NOT allow 2WD Low Range.

Therefore you have four (4) drive options:
2WD High Range
4WD High Range
4WD Low Range
Neutral (no drive, regardless of main transmission position))

Typically, there are decals installed either on the dash or glovebox door that illustrate the transmission/transfer case shifting positions.

The lever with the latch handle is the parking brake as noted previously.
My Junk --> 1975 IH Model 200HD, 1 ton 4x4 truck, 392, 4 speed, etc.
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Post Tue Aug 08, 2017 8:40 pm

Re: '59 B120 4X4. How do these gears work?

1975IH200 wrote:Left Hand lever should be slightly taller - that one is for the front axle engagement.
It should have two positions:
Aft = front axle engaged.
Forward = Front axle NOT engaged.

Right Hand lever is the Range selector, with three positions:
Forward = Low range reduction.
Middle = Neutral - no drive to either axle.
Aft = High range - 1:1 ratio for normal street/highway use.

The linkage in the T-Case should have a built-in interlock that does NOT allow 2WD Low Range.

Therefore you have four (4) drive options:
2WD High Range
4WD High Range
4WD Low Range
Neutral (no drive, regardless of main transmission position))

Typically, there are decals installed either on the dash or glovebox door that illustrate the transmission/transfer case shifting positions.

The lever with the latch handle is the parking brake as noted previously.


That is very helpful. Thank you

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