Transfer Case shifter ROD vs Cable? What are people using to avoid unnecessary wear in transfer case?

[Fabman]

I was instructed (by my the mechanic that rebuilt my N241 - who is Very well versed and skilled) NOT to use the conventional mechanical shifting rod setup on the transfer case because of undue wear on the shifting components in the N241 - attributed to possible constant pressure on the linkage which will cause premature wear on the shifting components in the N241. He strongly suggests going to a cable type shift setup. Anyone out there using a cable setup?

 

[WebMonkey]

sorry, i'm not.
i can say that my 208 shifter+linkage doesn't seem to present pressure on it.
slick and a bit of wiggle in the detents.
of course i'm not checking when the truck is 'flexing' so there could very well be.

'monkey

 

[CalSgt]

sorry, i'm not.
i can say that my 208 shifter+linkage doesn't seem to present pressure on it.
slick and a bit of wiggle in the detents.
of course i'm not checking when the truck is 'flexing' so there could very well be.

'monkey

Me neither…

A bazillion SB’s survived 300+ thousand miles without any issues caused by the shift linkage.

 

[bucket]

I think your mechanic has a bit of a hitch in his get along...

 

[Fabman]

Ok - Thanks guys....The Mechanic DID ask if my shift lever will be mounted to my trucks CAB or Frame? My response is - it will be mounted to the Cab - (I am building something different) He stated THATS where the flex and undo stress comes in. How are YOUR guys shifters mounted in the stock setup? ...to the frame or the Cab?

 

[bucket]

Ok - Thanks guys....The Mechanic DID ask if my shift lever will be mounted to my trucks CAB or Frame? My response is - it will be mounted to the Cab - (I am building something different) He stated THATS where the flex and undo stress comes in. How are YOUR guys shifters mounted in the stock setup? ...to the frame or the Cab?

The stock shifter is mounted to the cab floor.

 

[nvrenuf]

How are YOUR guys shifters mounted in the stock setup? ...to the frame or the Cab?

You’re going to find that 90%+ trucks with a 208 or 241 still have the shifter mounted to the cab exactly the way GM built it, linkage wear is a reality in a 40+ year old truck but not a real problem.

Think about it, anti trans linkage is similar - effectively mounted to the cab yet there are no problems.

If you have enough movement between the cab and chassis to created linkage problems, you likely have body bushing or mounting bracket issues.

 

[CalSgt]

Ok - Thanks guys....The Mechanic DID ask if my shift lever will be mounted to my trucks CAB or Frame? My response is - it will be mounted to the Cab - (I am building something different) He stated THATS where the flex and undo stress comes in. How are YOUR guys shifters mounted in the stock setup? ...to the frame or the Cab?

I have a trick cable shifter for a 208 I’ll sell ya…. I bought it with the plan to mount it on a console but changed directions.

It’s a JB Fabrication unit, seems most of the off road buggy guys run their shifters and linkages

 

[nvrenuf]

I will add, I have a triple stick Doubler with a JB Custom Fab cable shifter and it’s ok but I probably wouldn’t do it again. The shifter is super nice but I think I prefer the feel and compactness of a mechanical shifter. I don’t know if I’ll actually switch shifter types though since I’d have to undo some floor mods.

 

[Mike Gresham]

I used JB Custom Fabrication for my NP241 cable shifter. Works perfectly. And because I changed my bench seat to buckets, I installed the shifter in the little flat space in the floor beside the driver's seat on the inside. I could not be happier and the cable shifter is smooth and positive. Here's a video when I had the drivetrain on my stand -

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[Fabman]

Great video ! Thanks again Mike !