New short throw 5 speed shifter from BMD

[Briar Hopper]

We now have a short-throw 5 speed shifter kit available for '98-present NV4500 owners, price and ordering details are in Vendor Promotions on this website, and also our website, www.blackmountaindiesel.com

The kit includes all necessary hardware to convert your 5 speed to a fast and smooth shifter.

We are working on shifter kits for the '94-'97 trucks, and hope to have it on the market as soon as possible.

Phone orders will be accepted starting July 21, 2003. Installation or technical questions are welcome on this thread, or you may email us at -- email address removed --. .

 

[KEarnest]

Sweet!

 

[Got Smoke?]

Tom I would appreciate a PM with cost (so I can guesstimate what mine will be when its done) and most definately want to know when you get the kit for the 94-97's done.



I tried looking into a possible swap of a 98 and newer model gear shift on my 97 model NV4500 because of the 98's closer gates/throw with the straight shifter. Everybody I ever talked to said it wasn't possible... is it?

 

[KennyM]

I have said if it is built I will buy it. Can you also PM me with a price.



Thanks Ken

 

[fj40charles]

Tom,



Any plans for a 6 speed version? I would rather not buy from BD if possible.



Thanks,

Charles

 

[JOE911]

Price

Sent me the price and ording info, pleaseOo.

 

[CRoth - BD-Power]

Originally posted by Got Smoke?

Tom I would appreciate a PM with cost (so I can guesstimate what mine will be when its done) and most definately want to know when you get the kit for the 94-97's done.



I tried looking into a possible swap of a 98 and newer model gear shift on my 97 model NV4500 because of the 98's closer gates/throw with the straight shifter. Everybody I ever talked to said it wasn't possible... is it?

I'm sure Tom will tell you that he will not be producing a kit for the 94-97.

Originally posted by fj40charles

Tom,



Any plans for a 6 speed version? I would rather not buy from BD if possible.



Thanks,

Charles

What’s the deal with that? Why wouldn't you want to purchase the kit from the innovator? Think of all the development time we have spent on it. Plus ours is not only hardened steel but also zinc plated to eliminate any corrosion, and the Aluminum spacer is anodized.



Also on the 5-speed shifter we keep the rubber isolator in the shift lever rather than remove it. We didn’t want any vibration transferred through the shaft.

 

[fj40charles]

What’s the deal with that? Why wouldn't you want to purchase the kit from the innovator? Think of all the development time we have spent on it. Plus ours is not only hardened steel but also zinc plated to eliminate any corrosion, and the Aluminum spacer is anodized.



Also on the 5-speed shifter we keep the rubber isolator in the shift lever rather than remove it. We didn’t want any vibration transferred through the shaft. [/B][/QUOTE]



I'm hoping Briar will have a better price for the shifter. Nothing like good competition to create better products for the end consumer.

 

[Briar Hopper]

Originally posted by CRoth - BD-Power

I'm sure Tom will tell you that he will not be producing a kit for the 94-97.



Also on the 5-speed shifter we keep the rubber isolator in the shift lever rather than remove it. We didn’t want any vibration transferred through the shaft.

Our original prototype incorporated the isolator's rubber o-rings, in a multi-piece design. The design we have now has been tested on several trucks with no noise or vibration being transmitted. From what we've found out through trial & error, research & development, I'd rather not get into the differences. Our main goal is to offer customers the best value.

The shifts are firm and positive, fast and smooth. No disappointments, no leaks, no bolts backing out, on all the trucks we tested.

Yes, Charles, we'll be producing a 6 speed version, as soon as we can.

 

[willyslover]

Tom. . keep up the good work. .competition in the market place is a good thing for all !!!! that's what drive down prices / keeps the pecils sharp and quality products being developed.

 

[WDaniels]

Brian,

When you get the new shifter for the 94-97 will it eliminate the shifter bearing whirr when in 5th gear? That is one of the few things I hate about this truck.

WD

 

[Briar Hopper]

WDaniels, that's odd, we haven't experienced any such "whirr" in 5th in the '94, or in our friends' '96 & '97... .

Sounds more like a worn thrust bearing to me, or a loose thrust plate. Your fifth gear nut could have loosened , or if you've had fifth gear re-done, it could have been incorrectly shimmed for end-play. All I can do is guess, based on experience, since I don't have your truck in front of me.

How long have you been experiencing the noise? Since the truck was new, or gradually, over time?

Have you(or anyone else) ever removed your shifter for any reason?

 

[HEMI®Dart]

Originally posted by WDaniels

Brian,

When you get the new shifter for the 94-97 will it eliminate the shifter bearing whirr when in 5th gear? That is one of the few things I hate about this truck.

WD

I get that noise too. Not sure if it was there from the beginning. Have not lost had 5th gear yet.

 

[krs]

Brian, you said: "I'd rather not get into the differences. Our main goal is to offer customers the best value" and did not address the issue of hardening brought in above. To me the most important aspect of any mechanical product inserted into the top of a transmission is it's ability to resist wear and breakage - both failings which could easily result in further damage to the transmission.



Can you state that your product(s): short shift conversions for these transmissions, will meet or exceed the hardness level of the OEM parts they replace at the least?



Best value is not always the lowest price.

 

[WDaniels]

Brian,

When you shift into 5th, as you move the shifter over to push it up, there is some tention on it. You can feel it as you push it over to the right. I've always assumed that there is a bearing in there. My 96 3500 did it and my 97 2500 does it. It isn't real loud but can be bothersome. It has always done it since I've had it. I've always wanted to get rid of the sound but have come to live with it.

WD

 

[Briar Hopper]

Guys... first off, my real name is Tom. "Briar" is spelled with an "r" on the end, not "n". It's a joke, a screen name.

KRS, you quoted me out of context. I said I didn't wish to get into the differences between our first prototype, and the one we now have for sale. NOT the differences between our shifter and BD's. The shifters have now been in and out of several trucks with no appreciable signs of wear on either the shifter or the shift forks in the transmission. They're hard enough, alright.

WDaniels, there are no bearings in the shifter assembly, it is a ball & socket design, held in place with a coil spring and a clip. The design allows a lot of slop in the shifter, though, which is something we are seeking to eliminate, which should get rid of the noise problem.

 

[fj40charles]

Tom,



Keep up the great work. I have no doubt that it will be very well designed and will well. I don't know about hardness of the metal issue. I think it will hold up just fine since there is not much stress at the shifter. I wonder what kind of metal they use for the factory shifter? 300M, 4030 CoMO or mild steel?

Best value does not necessarily equal highest price either. Isn't competition just great??



Charles

 

[CATCRACKER]

$200 for the BD is too much for my 6spd short shifter. brair i am waiting also!

 

[drawson]

Keep us all up to speed on the shifter for the 94-97s. I want one badly!!!!

 

[Junior]

Tom, Can you give me a pm on the price i am definetly interested.



Thanks