Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Transfer case shifting rod came out and left me in neutral

gg1

gg1

TJ Addict
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Feb 3, 2018
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Ohiopyle, PA, United States
So, I was hauling my trailer at night and was shifting out of 4wl and my shifter felt disconnected. So I got under there and sure enough a rod was just laying there disconnected. With help from a friend I got it into 2wh, but now I have no way inside the TJ to shift it into 4wd. My TJ doesn't see mud or much off road use unless I am using it for some yard work or in snow, so I don't know if I really want to get involved with a cable set up, but I might consider it. My mechanic/friend suggested we replace all the bushings at once as they are now 20 years old, but he was just on the phone at home and wanted me to see what is out there first.. I see people changing this out for cable. Is that the best way to go, or can you just replace all the bushings and it would be good for another 20 years.

Thanks for any help.
 
gg1 said:
So, I was hauling my trailer at night and was shifting out of 4wl and my shifter felt disconnected. So I got under there and sure enough a rod was just laying there disconnected. With help from a friend I got it into 2wh, but now I have no way inside the TJ to shift it into 4wd. My TJ doesn't see mud or much off road use unless I am using it for some yard work or in snow, so I don't know if I really want to get involved with a cable set up, but I might consider it. My mechanic/friend suggested we replace all the bushings at once as they are now 20 years old, but he was just on the phone at home and wanted me to see what is out there first.. I see people changing this out for cable. Is that the best way to go, or can you just replace all the bushings and it would be good for another 20 years.

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...
That rod very likely just slipped out from under the bolt (circled in red below) that is supposed to hold it in adjustment. Get a 1/2" wrench and loosen the below circled bolt, then slip the rod in and position it where the bolt will hit the same witness mark on the rod left originally. Then tighten the snot out of that bolt, though don't use a 1/2" drive ratchet to do so as that big of a wrench could overtighten it.

transfer-case-linkage.jpg
 
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Hmmm, decisions décisions. I think if I go stock route, I would replace everything that could be faulty. I live in a very hilly area and I want to be sure to have 4wd when needed. Any other thoughts. I know TJ's are becoming more rare and less activity here, but mine in strong.
 
gg1 said:
Hmmm, decisions décisions. I think if I go stock route, I would replace everything that could be faulty. I live in a very hilly area and I want to be sure to have 4wd when needed. Any other thoughts. I know TJ's are becoming more rare and less activity here, but mine in strong.
Click to expand...
The cable actuator is smoother and more pleasing to use but the factory shifter will work just fine again once you get it put back together, adjusted, and get that adjustment bolt TIGHT. Though I bought a Savvy shifter years ago I never got around to installing it because I never really had any trouble with the factory shifter. I ended up selling the Savvy shifter.
 
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Geez. I have't been here in a while. I get these pop up videos that block my experience. Is that the way it is now? If so, I might have to move on. Wow, as I type this, I can't even see what I am typing. Crazy. Neve been on a form like this. Hope my spelling is okay. I can't see what I am posting.
 
gg1 said:
Geez. I have't been here in a while. I get these pop up videos that block my experience. Is that the way it is now? If so, I might have to move on. Wow, as I type this, I can't even see what I am typing. Crazy. Neve been on a form like this. Hope my spelling is okay. I can't see what I am posting.
Click to expand...

Pay for the supporting member upgrade and they're gone. 👍 Well worth it if you own a TJ IMO.
 
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Unless you are extremely tight on money, If you plan to keep the vehicle and if you like to have four-wheel-drive and want a good crisp feel and sure engagement and disengagement, do the cable shifter.

It’s not a little better, It is a true upgrade that replaces the archaic linkage and makes it nearly identical to any modern transmission and transfer case shifter design.
 
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gg1 said:
Geez. I have't been here in a while. I get these pop up videos that block my experience. Is that the way it is now? If so, I might have to move on. Wow, as I type this, I can't even see what I am typing. Crazy. Neve been on a form like this. Hope my spelling is okay. I can't see what I am posting.
Click to expand...

If your rig is stock (we have no idea as you have not filled out your profile), there is absolutely no need to go with a cable shifter. Use the advice you have gotten here, reconnect and adjust the stock linkage.

Then take the money you have now saved getting information from this fine forum, and spend the $40 for a lifetime membership. Ads gone. Just like that.

Why would you expect to get any of this for free? Get a membership or deal with the ads - reasonable choices in my opinion.
 
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Sorry, I have had a very crazy year. Divorce, got a heart issue that lasted for almost a year, Father died. Yeah, that was in a year, so I haven't been here and just withdrew for a while. I could do the membership now. I suspect there is a fair amount of money generated from all the ads however, but this place hs been great. Thanks for all your help. Sorry about spelling.
 
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Realistically it sounds like the 13 mm bolt came loose that holds the rod -

And maybe the clip at the other end -

If you keep it at least lubricate the pivot points occasionally-

It would have a lot better reputation for reliability if people would do that as part of their normal maintenance.

And yes sir you have had a tough year and that is a whole lot to deal with- Just one of those things is enough.

Keep your chin up.
 
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gg1 said:
Sorry, I have had a very crazy year. Divorce, got a heart issue that lasted for almost a year, Father died. Yeah, that was in a year, so I haven't been here and just withdrew for a while. I could do the membership now. I suspect there is a fair amount of money generated from all the ads however, but this place hs been great. Thanks for all your help. Sorry about spelling.
Click to expand...

Nothing I can't do to my TJ, that I didn't learn or can learn on this forum, it's more than worth being a supporter.

These are events, leave them at that, don't ever, ever give up and forget that there are amazing things in life ahead. You never know what cool thing may happen tomorrow, so make sure you're head up and here for it.

On the shifter, for what you have, I agree fix what you got, see if what Jerry mentioned is the issue. If it is, you can count on it, you have for a long time. It works, even with all the bashing. I put on the Savvy shifter....and it's MUCH better, pretty easy install. It was much easier when taking off the skid for me, ha. Just for me, one of the easy, super helpful mods, but no way a Must Do.
 
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