4x4 Shifters : Awesome DIY

[Nightpath]

I was looking for a good shifter for my NP242, and since I'm cheap as heck I was looking for a DIY type solution. I came across these for anyone looking for an alternate shifter, and it looks pretty awesome.

It basically creates heavy duty direct linkage for the shifter instead of the small stock shifter rods. I'm going to look around and try to build one these weekend (or in the next few weeks). For what I estimate to be about $30, it looks like an amazing solution to the Novak shifters.

http://www.bsfab.net/?p=26

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f11/rebuilding-np-231-linkage-write-up-1497506/

(Novak cable shifter : http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/shifters/sk2xc.htm )

[ChickenFarmer3]

How did that work for you Nightpath?  Thanks for the links.  I am finishing up a NP231 right now!!

[amarshall]

I know this is an old thread, but I'd love to hear any feedback on a shifter solution also. 

I'm planning an NP242 upgrade, found this kit online:  http://www.boostwerksengineering.com/242-HD-Shift-Linkage-_p_27.html 

There is also a version for NP231's:  http://www.boostwerksengineering.com/231-HD-Shift-Linkage-Auto-Trans-_p_25.html

Both look roughly the same as the links that Nightpath posted.  For a bolt-in solution, I'd pay someone else to do the fab work. I have no affiliation with them, of course.

[eaglefreek]

I would try to use the stock XJ shifter with one of those kits. I used the NP229 shifter only because I had previously installed it for the 229 I installed and while it worked, it wasn't the best solution.

[amarshall]

Good point Eaglefreek, that's what I was thinking too.  Hopefully it's possible to hack an XJ shifter into the trans hump roughly in line with the transfer case lever.  The kits look like they have a decent amount of adjustability.

[rmick]

I adapted this for my 229 transfer case http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/OCcAAOSwA3dYL6R6/s-l1600.jpg

IMG_0279 by rmick1, on Flickr

[anrkii]

Here is how I did mine:

Why gold? Because it was the only color speedway motors had left of their clearance $12 shifters.

I used a lever off of a different T-case and flipped it upwards to make the linkage fit the NP242. Been working just fine for 5 years now.
No cables, shifter detents, etc. Simple and effective.