The Shiftster

[cbetts]

A few months back, someone mentioned this cool device called a Shiftster. It is a cool tool to allow you to replace a Borg Warner transfer case encoder motor with a manual mechnism.

I got one for my birthday this last weekend. Looks like a great investment at $60. I have not heard of an encoder motor breaking on the trail but I have seen a few close calls where a few trucks had issues getting back into 4-HI after a trail.

You can find the vedor's web page here: :link:

 

[High Five H2]

I read about this before, and for a project I was wondering if I could hook up the BW transfer case with a shift linkage or something.

 

[ReconH3]

Interesting! Have you tired it to see if it works?


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

 

[cbetts]

Interesting! Have you tired it to see if it works?


"Ex Umbris Venimus"

Not yet. I may try it when I put in the lift kit.

 

[Peep]

I don't understand? :whaa: Where does it go? Under the truck? How often do you need to use it?

 

[cbetts]

I don't understand? :whaa: Where does it go? Under the truck? How often do you need to use it?

Yes, it goes under the truck. I am only carrying it me me for when (not if) the encoder motor goes out. My top speed in low range is about 25MPH (in fifth gear and red-lined). Not the best way to drive back home from the trail.

 

[4speedfunk]

Pliers do the same thing. I could see the benefit if it came with a cable or some sort of linkage but, it seems a tad clumsy to use.

IMO the majority of t-case issues have more to do with the fork inside, and not the actuator (encoder, shiftster, or pliers). In fact...you might end up damaging a stuck fork even more by using a manual device like this. It essentially gives you control of how much torque you apply to the fork...rather than relying on the built-in "whimpy-ness" of the encoder. Which raises the question...

I wonder how many stuck mode issues are truly the encoder? ...or just gummed-up forks?

 

[cbetts]

You would know more than me on this since you have had many of the open. I thought there would be a risk of the shaft slipping if it wasn't locked in place. Oh well, it gives me some piece of mind.

 

[4speedfunk]

Nah...I'm a newb to t-cases. All I know is how to drop an old one and bolt-in a new one! MaxPF is probably the guy to talk to.

 

[CaseyS]

I think it was me that had mentioned it. I had looked into it for my engine swap not knowing if the transfer case electronics would still work.

What you really need to do it shift the transfer case into its 3 different modes and note the location of the position of the shifter shaft. I'm not sure if all the BW transfer cases stop at the same indexed clock position. It would be good to note that position, and then compare the detents in the shiftster to make sure they line up. Also you likely need to note the direction to turn to get from one position to the other (eg you can't infinitely rotate it in one direction)

 

[Ricky B]

Well Cbetts, I'm dying to know how my little gizmo works for ya?.....

 

[cbetts]

Well Cbetts, I'm dying to know how my little gizmo works for ya?.....

I actually didn't have plans on bolting it up unless I had an "incident". Now I am feeling guilty and need to try it out. Maybe this weekend, if time permits.

Thanks for subscribing over here! You may get some questions in regards to your product. I also recommend you dropping in the "Fresh Meat" section and introduce yourself. You may catch the attention of more people.

 

[Ricky B]

Will do C, and thanx for the tip(s). Let me get thru this other stupid project first (before this lappy going full-meltdown) and I'll jump on that. In the meantime, you guys have silly contests with prizes? I'd love to donate one to The Hummer Cause if I could.....:cheers:

 

[cbetts]

Will do C, and thanx for the tip(s). Let me get thru this other stupid project first (before this lappy going full-meltdown) and I'll jump on that. In the meantime, you guys have silly contests with prizes? I'd love to donate one to The Hummer Cause if I could.....:cheers:

Shoot a PM to alrock (Alex Neville). He is the site admin and can help you out. Here is a link to his profile: :link:

 

[Bigunit]

Welcome Ricky. Glad to have you here on the forum.

 

[Gunner_45]

Welcome aboard RB.

Seems like a pretty ingenious device.

What is the price difference between you device and carrying a spare EM?

 

[Ricky B]

Welcome aboard RB.

Seems like a pretty ingenious device.

What is the price difference between you device and carrying a spare EM?

About two 18 packs of Rolling Rock?.....