Just purchased a Marlin adapter, 2 topshift cases and budbuilt skid/crossmember. 2 questions for you guys. 1st, I have a G54 tranny with the forward shift x-fer case. The marlin adapter is already joined with a top shift. Should I dismantle it and reinstall it with the forward shift or just use as is and cut another hole in the floor(if that would even work,so cutting 2 holes in all). 2nd question, I have a longbed with the carrier bearing in the middle. How much should I get taken off of the drive shaft? Im going to buy one from pull-n-save that way I have little down time.
Thanks for the help.
JT

It's hard to tell you what length of driveshaft you need. You gonna have to install all that then measure the distance from the output flange to the diff flange.

Go to Marlins site and read the install instructions on this page:

http://www.marlincrawler.com/dualcase.html

As far as the d-shaft, the length should not be messed with until after the install. Most shops in my area have a one-day turn around and if I take it in early enough I can get in back in the afternoon. Around here a two piece d-shaft goes for 150-200 dollars with center bearing and they will not break them up.

Measure the rear output flange on the t-case to the rear flange on the diff. That will tell ya what length drive shaft you will need like Anthony said.
I just got done doing that with my 82 I just dropped a G54 into it.

I would use the forward shift t-case with the doubler first then use another t-case behind it

I measured both the L-52 with the t-case from the front of the bellhousing to the back flange it is 34 1/2" The G54 Transmission is 38 1/2" long measured the same way.
So add the thickness of the doubler and the extra part of the t-case.

The rear driveshaft I had was hosed anyways it was bent and twisted. Anyways I am getting mine shortened resleeved and balanced with new joints for about $250.

I measured both the front driveshafts

The 79-83 driveshaft's are 19 1/2" compressed and 23 1/2" extended and still has 2" of spline left
and can move upto a 35 deg angle

The 86-95 IFS front driveshaft's are 23 1/2" compressed and 28" extended with 2" of spline left.

For the front I am using the IFS front driveshaft to replace the old front driveshaft it should work decent once I modify the cardigan joint to go 35 deg.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/cvmod/

need to know lift, springs, shocks.
if you are getting the shafts built, lose the center bearing.
go with marlins extended front drive shaft slip joint.
reverse the front part so the grease plug for the slip joint is near the transfer case.
go with the thickest tube the shop will do for you.
I got .143 or.134, stock is less then half that and will bend. the tube is about 2 times as much but only adds 40.00 or so to the whole drive shaft. I just droped off my bent one at inland truck for retube and balance and the total was 160.00 they didn't replace the ujoints as it was only 6 months old. I got hung on a rock, backed up, fell onto the drive shaft and spun a spiral dent into it. that was .084 tube.
I sugest marlins extended slip joint in the front, I had 1 inch at full drop and on a water fall I hit the brakes and it still pulled out. I was not under power so no damage. just unbolting on a 100 degree water fall under a 210 degree motor. pain in the butt. nice bald spot from when I bumped my head on the header. winch locked to a tree to keep the truck from moving and the truck was at about a 50 degree angle. hanging on the front tires and sitting on the back tires and the tube bumper. that is after bobbing the bed 16 inchs. you get the picture.

also you will have to get this all done so you can join us next year at the dakota territory chalenge sponsered by the black hills four wheelers.
I was a trail leader for full size, Kong, and upper buzz worm.

http://www.bh4wheelers.com/

full size

http://www.blackhillsjeeps.com/

Shad & missouriman, exactly the info I was looking for <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />. Thanks for the info. LOL about your bald spot in the hair vs. header battle. I did the same thing trying to re-attach a torque rod knee deep in mudd <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. Now I just have to justify to the old lady that I need to write another check to marlin, should be interesting <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />. DTC sounds fun, make sure to post it when it is. I have family in Huron, so I can maybe kill two birds.
Thanks again for the info guys.