Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Short throw shifter for 94-97 5speed

[SmokinU]

Hey Guys,



A friend of mine just purchased a 98 QC 12V 5speed. I took it for a test drive, and it shifts so much nicer and shorter than my 97 does. Now I know BD doesn’t make a short shifter for a 94-97 5speed, but is it possible to install a shifter from a 98 and up on a 97 and down? Or is there a way to modify the existing shifter. I am sick of missing 3rd and 4th gear when I speed shift.



Brandon

 

[JAmos]

YEA!!!!!!

I usually miss third. Can't describe how happy I get when that happens. Would appreciate any knowledge shared. TIA Jordan

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Use the top cover/shift tower and the shifter for a 98. You will have to r&r the transmission to change the tower.

 

[SmokinU]

Thanks for the reply Joe,



I was looking at my service manual, and saw how the top of the trans would need to be replaced in order to make it work. I’m not particularly happy that I would have to remove the trans just to put a short shift in it. I was thinking that maybe I could grind the shifter, and move the attachment point in a way that would allow me to obtain the same movement inside the transmission, yet yield a shorter throw. I thought I read someone did this before, but I can’t find it.



Brandon

 

[nfox]

Short throw shifter 96 5-speed

Will the ever be short throw shifter for the 94 to 97 nv4500? If so is anybody making them?

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by nfox

Will the ever be short throw shifter for the 94 to 97 nv4500? If so is anybody making them?

No, nobody is making them :{



That's why I'm glad I found a 98+ top cover! Oo.

 

[SmokinU]

Mark,



Did you do the conversion? I am starting to think that may be the only option. If so, where do you find a 98+ top? Don’t think I would find one of them in a junkyard.



Brandon

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by SmokinU

Mark,



Did you do the conversion? I am starting to think that may be the only option. If so, where do you find a 98+ top? Don’t think I would find one of them in a junkyard.



Brandon

I put a few add's out and found finally got a response.



Haven't even aquired the cover yet as the guy has to sit on it for me until my next payday. However I am looking forward to doing the swap, but it might not be anytime soon.

 

[Jff24Gordn]

Well, there was gonna be a kit from a vendor, but it wont happen now.

 

[Got Smoke?]

Originally posted by Jff24Gordn

Well, there was gonna be a kit from a vendor, but it wont happen now.

I know which *vendor* your speaking of, and the last time I spoke with them on that subject I was told that they were wrong in saying that they would be producing one for the 94-97's that they were only making a couple and they would only be available to close friends nearby them.

 

[SmokinU]

Hey Guys,



I just got an email from the guy at BD Power. He said that they wont be making short shifter for the 94-97 Rams, due to the stupid shift tower setup. :{ :{ :{





So, I am starting the search for a 98 and up shift tower. Steve St. Laurent said to call EEP to see if they have any. Once again I'm still not happy that I gotta yank the transmission just to put a short throw shifter in, but it will be worth it.



Brandon

 

[Andy Redmond]

The differences-- the 94-97's have a one piece "case top/shifter housing. "



The 98+ have a shifter tower like the earlier models, but have a smaller square cover in the center that houses just the shifter gate and ball on the end of the shifter and is removable for the addition of the short shift kit, shifter stick removal etc.



Life is easier if its in neutral before adding your short shift kit. .



I've seen several folks remove the seats and carpet then cut the floor pan hole larger than oe. Then fabbed up a cover to cover their larger access hole and pop-riveted or wleded tabs then bolted the cover back to the floor pan.



It seemed almost as much work as r&r'ing the transmission, unless a 4x4 with the transfer case maybe. .



I'd just as soon not hack up my floor pan, but just my . 02.



Andy

 

[britannic]

If you R&R the transmission, be sure to have a transmission jack (or floor jack with an adapter) or some way of supporting and lowering the weight. With the t-case attached, it'll be pushing around 320-360lbs...

 

[SmokinU]

I got a few more questions for you transmission experts. Will a shift tower from a 98 and up dodge NV-4500 LD work? And will any of the Chevy NV-4500 towers work, or must is specifically be a 98 and up Dodge NV-4500 HD?



Brandon

 

[britannic]

I'm looking at the Advance Adapters NV4500 install manual and the 1993 & up Chevy shift tower looks identical to the 1999-2002 Dodge one - I'm not able to physically confirm it though.

 

[SmokinU]

britannic,



That’s why I'm wondering if they are interchangeable, I was looking at Chevy NV's on the net and saw the similarity. I wonder if the shift rails and all the other guts attached to the underside of the shift tower are the same though?



Brandon