Column Cable Shift

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Bobbystill

Apprentice
Mar 24, 2019
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Has anyone replaced the column shift linkage rod with a cable? I want to keep my column shift but the rod binds between the frame and my header collector if I try to select low gears (I know, classic problem). I've looked at the lokar and ididit kits but I don't think there is enough column sticking out of the firewall to use the aftermarket column brackets. I plan on adapting the cable to the stock column bracket and maybe mounting the cable housing on the firewall, but if any of you have already done this and know a better way, I'm all ears.

Car is a 5th Gen Elco with a 200-4R
 

TURNA

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Jul 24, 2009
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Take a hammer, a pipe/deepwell socket or something similar and ding/dent the pipe so the linkage clears.

You WILL NOT loose any performance from the dent.
 
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Bobbystill

Apprentice
Mar 24, 2019
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It's hitting the collector flange, not the pipes. They're mid-length headers. When it hits the flange the rod gets pushed toward the driver side of the car and then binds on the frame, above and forward of the proportioning valve. I've already modified the linkage and rotated the flange to get into OD. I'm not going to bend the rod right now because I've only got the one and I like driving the car. Even if I did bend it, getting the geometry right is going to be way more difficult than getting a cable to work, I think.
 

Bobbystill

Apprentice
Mar 24, 2019
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I could grind down the rod also, but it would probably weaken rod more than I'm comfortable with.
 

TURNA

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Jul 24, 2009
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Since it is in a tight space would the cable sheath melt?
 
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Ribbedroof

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Jan 4, 2009
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IF i was going to try this, I would look into later-model OE stuff. Most of it is cable driven, even the column shift stuff. Probably easier to adapt OE than engineer a bracket and mounting for a "universal" aftermarket setup. GM trucks would be a good place to start.
 
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FastCraig

Master Mechanic
Sep 11, 2017
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A G-Body member used this and it worked. I'm planning on this for my 4l80.
 

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Longroof79

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G-Body of the Month
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You could always go with plan B....a floor shifter using a cable and eliminating the linkage rod.
 
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1bad79

Royal Smart Person
Dec 3, 2011
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Allendale mi
can you eliminate the header flange and make it a slip Fit flange? That would gain you some room
 
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Bobbystill

Apprentice
Mar 24, 2019
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Thanks folks, those are definitely some good suggestions. I should be able to route the cable around the headers so the sheath wont melt. I'll look into some GM truck shifters and the possibility of eliminating the flange. I'm thinking as long as I don't change the geometry of the column bracket and the trans bracket, and I have enough travel in the cable, then mounting the cable should be my only obstacle. Floor shift would be a last ditch effort. I like my column shift and 60/40 bench. It is a "truck" after all.
 
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