5 speed to 4 speed conversion

[hellybort]

hi my 3h box has died on me and i was thinking of replacing it with a abd 4 speed . i know if you go from 4 speed up to 5 you have to change the linkage but if i swam my 5 down to a 4 do i still have to change the linkage's ? And if i do need to and didnt what problems would i have ?

[ajsimmo]

You can fit the 4 speed without any mods to the 5spd linkage (apart from correct adjustment, of course ). It will work fine. Just remember not to go for the old 1st gear!

[lhd]

Pretty sure you need a new gear stick and the box underneath that.
Rob.

[Aidan]

you CAN use the 5 speed linkage but you may find it a bit vague with the 4 speed box as there is an extra bit of spring detent in the 4 speed box which works against the spring in the bottom of the 5 speed stick - you may find it better though, some people do
gear wise it's almost identical only 4.5% different in top gear

[ajsimmo]

When my 5sp box went into full difflock mode the day before our Scotland trip I just swapped it for my spare 4spd with no probs at all. Linkage barely needed any adjustment, it just worked (as Aiden suggests, the wife says it's better!).
As per OP, the problem you'll have is your brain will still tell your left arm to go for the dogleg 1st occasionally. Don't worry, this will pass in time, you'll grow to love your 4, and you'll soon wonder why people with 4s desire the 5!

[markhale10]

I have a full 4-speed front end including gearstick, under-box and front rod.
I removed it all from my van as I have a 5-speed box now.
I'm sure we could come to a deal if you are interested.??