View Full Version : Has anyone used a cable shifter on their T/C?
scram-man
03-02-2010, 03:15 PM
If so, which one? I have pulled my QT and I'm going with a NP208 when I get the whole drivetrain swapped. I have talked to NorthwestFab, but htey have been slow to respond. So, anyone else done a cable shifter on the transfer case?
scram-man
03-04-2010, 02:41 PM
Come on now. Anyone???
srobertsfsj
03-04-2010, 02:43 PM
My 74' Waggy with QT had a cable pull from the factory. It was difficult to get in and out of 4 lo so I ditched it for a floor lever.
fulsizjeep
03-04-2010, 03:05 PM
He is talking about NP208 cable shift Scott.
I don't recall anyone talking on the board about a cable shifter for a 208. It would probably help to know which 208 you are talking about scram-man. For example, I have one in my 88 GW. It is the Jeep version (LH front drive) from an 81 Cherokee.
srobertsfsj
03-04-2010, 03:26 PM
sorry, long day :)
CJ the noisemaker
03-04-2010, 03:55 PM
I would think that the cable would snap since 208s that I have come across were hard to shift. Maybe a spring to counter the cable and a locking shifter.
scram-man
03-04-2010, 04:05 PM
Hmmmm. I going with a Chevy 208, passenger drop. I'm going to be fabbing up a full length center console between the buckets so I won't really have a center "hump" on which to mount a floor shifter. I thought a cable shifter would work well for that type of install and I've seen several of the rock crawler crowd use them. That may be with a different T/C though. I'm sure I can fab a true linkage type shifter, a cable just seemed simpler.
Any further input would be greatly appreciated.
freeincolorado
03-04-2010, 05:13 PM
I would think that the cable would snap since 208s that I have come across were hard to shift. Maybe a spring to counter the cable and a locking shifter.
My Jeep 208 shifts like greased butter.:D
2ToneBluJ10
03-04-2010, 05:22 PM
My Jeep 208 shifts like greased butter.:D
X2 with the lever
scram-man
03-04-2010, 06:31 PM
So, for yall with these greasy buttery 208s, do you think a cable shifter would work? and is the movie butter the best thing to use to keep em shifting so easy or regular ol' margarine? :)
freeincolorado
03-04-2010, 07:42 PM
The way the mine shifts (don't know if it is similar to the Chevy version) you could probably set up a cable shifter. It would have to use two cables, one to move the shaft in each direction. By the way, the only expierence with Chevy 208's I have had is in my buddys '88 Suburban and it shifted really smoothly.
I recommend Dexron ATF and not movie butter to keep yours shifting smooth.:D
Also, I never recommend margarine, only the real thing.:thumbsup:
fulsizjeep
03-05-2010, 04:43 AM
I have had 3 different 208s and they all shifted pretty smoothly. It might take getting "the feel" to use a cable and shift through 4 different range options. The cable shift on the QT low range is pretty straight forward: in for hi, out for low.
jaber
03-05-2010, 07:58 AM
Why not just use the QT flag shifter? Thats what everyone else uses and is a very simple and practiced hook up.
Greg Taylor
03-05-2010, 09:09 AM
Why not call up Advance Adapters and ask them about using their cable shifter for the Atlas 2? They're the experts and can give you feedback on it. Ask for a TECH guy ... not a SALES guy when you call. ;)
Greg Taylor
03-05-2010, 09:18 AM
Here's a couple options for the Atlas 2 ...
http://advanceadapters.com/product/2257/303009A.html
http://advanceadapters.com/product/2258/303020A.html
There is reference to a 231/242 cable shifter on the Rubicrawler site ... it's toward the bottom of the page, in the paragraphs just below the section with the possible final drive ratios ...
http://advanceadapters.com/product/4341/RubiCrawler-for-Jeep-2003-2009-with-an-automatic-overdrive.html
scram-man
03-05-2010, 09:33 AM
Yes, I already talked to the tech guys at AA. They said they didn't have anything that would work. Northwest Fab said they could do it, but when I told them "great, get started and bill my paypal" I haven't heard anything again despite repeated contact.
I have read a few posts in the off road section and there are guys who have done this. It has all been a one off fab job though.
Another option I've thought of that gives me the console mounted shifter is using one from a TJ. The shift pattern is the same 4H, 2H, N, 4L and I think I could mount it where I want it. Then I just have to fab a linkage or adapt the TJ linkage.
Here's a couple options for the Atlas 2 ...
http://advanceadapters.com/product/2257/303009A.html
http://advanceadapters.com/product/2258/303020A.html
There is reference to a 231/242 cable shifter on the Rubicrawler site ... it's toward the bottom of the page, in the paragraphs just below the section with the possible final drive ratios ...
http://advanceadapters.com/product/4341/RubiCrawler-for-Jeep-2003-2009-with-an-automatic-overdrive.html
JBEES
03-05-2010, 09:37 AM
I think what you need is a heavy duty cable. There is a place in Portland Oregon called Instrument Sales & Service and they build H/duty cables called cablecraft. These cables are made to order and are plenty heavy enough to get the job done. Also Potter Webster Co. makes Morris cables which are same type and strength. We use these cables to engage and disengage twin disc clutches on 513 cu.in diesel engines so I'm sure they could make just what you need, margarine or butter either one. Just a thought and if you need some contact info pm me or you should be able to google it. Good luck.
JBEES
jaber
03-05-2010, 09:53 AM
Another option I've thought of that gives me the console mounted shifter is using one from a TJ. The shift pattern is the same 4H, 2H, N, 4L and I think I could mount it where I want it. Then I just have to fab a linkage or adapt the TJ linkage.
IIRC, the XJ's used a cable for their shifter. Look at the set up under a Dodge 4x truck, '90+.
scram-man
03-05-2010, 12:21 PM
Thanks guys! Yall keep the info coming! We're getting closer.:thumbsup:
IIRC, the XJ's used a cable for their shifter. Look at the set up under a Dodge 4x truck, '90+.
fulsizjeep
03-05-2010, 01:54 PM
Why not just use the QT flag shifter? Thats what everyone else uses and is a very simple and practiced hook up.I don't know anyone using a QT flag shifter on a 208. They are different than the flag shifters for the NP tcases but I imagine you could modify one.
Joe Guilbeau
03-05-2010, 02:25 PM
Why not go to a local junk yard and just purchase any NP229 shift linkage and lever from the donor vehicle?
I had a 77 Cherokee (with the borg warner low range unit) but can't remember if the levers were mounted in the same location.
freeincolorado
03-05-2010, 02:35 PM
Why not go to a local junk yard and just purchase any NP229 shift linkage and lever from the donor vehicle?
I had a 77 Cherokee (with the borg warner low range unit) but can't remember if the levers were mounted in the same location.
I was thinking that as well. I used the 229 linkage and flag shifter for my 208 and it works fine. I think the OP is using a Chevy 208 however, so the shift shaft would be on the passenger side I would think.
scram-man
03-05-2010, 04:06 PM
All good inputs. The reason for the cable is I'm needing/wanting to mount the lever on the drivers side (inside the console). So its not a straight shot to the T/C. Mines a pass drop 208. So far the XJ cable shift set up seems like a reasonable option short of a custom fab. The cable could be routed where needed. Then again, custom fab is always cool! Nothing like someone saying "wow, never seen that before".
I was thinking that as well. I used the 229 linkage and flag shifter for my 208 and it works fine. I think the OP is using a Chevy 208 however, so the shift shaft would be on the passenger side I would think.
fulsizjeep
03-05-2010, 04:49 PM
I have wondered a few times if a marine throttle or gear shift cable could be rigged for a tcase shifter. Just a thought...
addicted
03-05-2010, 05:10 PM
All good inputs. The reason for the cable is I'm needing/wanting to mount the lever on the drivers side (inside the console). So its not a straight shot to the T/C. Mines a pass drop 208. So far the XJ cable shift set up seems like a reasonable option short of a custom fab. The cable could be routed where needed. Then again, custom fab is always cool! Nothing like someone saying "wow, never seen that before".
XJ's use a cheesy linkage bracket set up not a cable(at least not that i've ever seen). The transmission uses a cable to shift and that might be an option, I don't know how flexable it would be though.
ne715
03-05-2010, 08:19 PM
What about a heavy duty PTO cable?
Example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Push-Pull-Cable-PTO_W0QQitemZ260562256311QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Hea vy_Equipment_Parts?hash=item3caab881b7
Pam
scram-man
03-05-2010, 08:25 PM
That's what I'm talking about. I've seen these used, but had to be a custom fab with the shifter and all. I'm thinking I could use the actual shifter from, say, an XJ or TJ, and then fab the rest of the linkage to push and pull the cable. That's all the atlas cable shifters are is a shifter rod that pushes and pulls the cable.
The question has been, is there something "off the shelf" that would work.
Keep the brain juices flowing! I like it all so far! :thumbsup:
What about a heavy duty PTO cable?
Example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Push-Pull-Cable-PTO_W0QQitemZ260562256311QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBI_Hea vy_Equipment_Parts?hash=item3caab881b7
Pam
Jim Blair
03-05-2010, 08:36 PM
I did a Dodge NP208 and used the Jeep linkages?
ne715
03-05-2010, 09:23 PM
Try here http://www.push-pull.com/, they already have shifters. Under products, then on the second page. Hope this helps.
Pam
scram-man
03-09-2010, 09:55 AM
Anyone else with some ideas?
Try here http://www.push-pull.com/, they already have shifters. Under products, then on the second page. Hope this helps.
Pam
JohnnyJ
03-09-2010, 10:20 AM
Here's a link to what a buddy did to make a cable shifter for a D300 on a TJ. Includes a link to where he got the cables and what he did to hook it up. It might provide some inspiration.
http://www.greatlakes4x4.com/showthread.php?t=18884&page=5
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