If it has still just got the single shifter, he probably just removed the center detent ball so you can use an alternate shift pattern to access 2wd low. It works, but can be a PITA to get in and out of 2wd low at times. Twinsticks are definitely a better way to access it.
If the samurai is lifted, the vibration is probably coming from the rear driveshaft. If the ujoint angles do not match (or very very close), then you will get vibration and it can be transferred up through the driveline to the tcase.