Shift Smooth with Novak's 4wd Cable Shifter

In this video we'll talk about why the stock 4wd shift selector is junk and why you need to upgrade to Novak Conversion's cable actuated 4wd shifter! I myself was quite surprised how smooth this thing shifts once installed. It also lets me lean back the transmission and transfer case without having to worry about disconnecting the hard linkage first. Add to that, I can now stuff the tranny and transfer case up higher for my super tummy tuck that is happening on the Scorpion Crawler build!
Made for YJ, TJ, XJ, MJ, and ZJ: www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/sh...
A good beginner welder: amzn.to/2eDa8NG
The plasma cutter I use: amzn.to/2et53Ej
A decent drill press: amzn.to/2fq3B85
A cheap laser level: amzn.to/2eDauE7
The angle grinder I use: amzn.to/2feUk27
Build Thread on:
NAXJA - bit.ly/1nAScEP
Pirate4X4 - bit.ly/1SUlE5O
Website: www.bleepinjeep.com
FaceBook: / bleepinjeep
This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.

[@lory2622]

These were the videos that built the Bleepin’ Jeep empire.

[@johnpadilla480]

Hi Matt, I am tankful for your video on this installation. I just installed mine on my 1988 XJ. The instructions that came with the novak were "ok" but this video is what I totally followed from start to finish. Everything works and can't wait to try this once my jeep is ready for the road (soon after a 3 year restoration/build up). It works very well so far.

[@Lonewlf7676]

I had my TJ with a 1" body lift pop into neutral on me going down a county hwy in the snow. Thankfully I found Novak and replaced that factory "Z" linkage with the slick cable setup. I've had it in for at least 3 years now and have nothing but good things to say about it! My GF has an XJ now that I ended up putting a T-case lowering kit in to fix driveline vibration after a 2" suspension lift. I believe Novak will be getting some more business once I show her this video of how it all works and why it's worth the money.

[@bajaclaws]

thanks, I own a 2003 tj with 3" suspension 1" body lift I will give it a go

[@FoamSquatch]

Wait so I do not have to scream at my transfer case shifter, while giving a blood sacrifice just to get into 4 Lo? Hot damn. Adding this to my wish list.

[@syzfilms]

Matt I am really enjoying the way you are taking the videos.

[@aubreyelwood2212]

This is the most straight forward video I have seen in years on Jeeps Thanks so much for your professionalism

[@AZBADBOYz]

You just sold me! That linkage is just stock. Great job on the video of difficult places to reach and see.

[@MartindaleTV1970]

Just installed this conversion kit on my 1998 Jeep TJ with 4" suspension lift and it works great. Thanks for recommending it and the video!

[@vonJaerschky]

Just installed one of these in my 91XJ. What a difference! Smooth shifting and it doesn't hop out of 4H any more. Well worth it. Thanks for the video. It helped with the installation.

[@jim4012]

Some how I missed this vid during the build. Great concept! I was so frustrated with the linkage, I hacked a huge hole in the tunnel and welded the handle to the tab on the xfer case.

[@frankoneyjr.4515]

Great video ! Converting my 2000 Chevy S-10 4x4 from insane electric shift back to manual ! Cant wait !

[@slant6guy]

This is an awesome Novak kit & works great on the 'O3 TJ here...so nice to trashcan the *Rube Goldberg* designed factory t-case shifter!

[@kevinrichardson8421]

thanks for the video. i got the savvy offroad kit but it installed the exact same way. didnt come with instructions though so this was super helpful!

[@HoJForge]

Very nice! I've been thinking about those for both of my XJ's. Vids great, as always!

[@DrHavok1]

Dammit I can't figure out why all these old videos are now popping up in my feed.....I'm glad because I'm watching ones I somehow never seen(been subbed for a few years now) and this one just sold me on new t-case linkage thanks....but it's really strange that I never seen some of these....stupid blue bell

[@johnmays2798]

thanks for the video. I just installed this cable last weekend. your video helped a lot. fyi you can leave your driveshaft in and your skid plate on. It's a little harder but I didn't remove either and did just fine. the hardest part was getting the pin in the cleavice. you have to Jack the front up and turn the driveshaft to just the right spot.

[@ridintwowheels2515]

I just recently subscribed to your channel and your videos are awesome. Im doing a mild build on a zj and you have brought to my knowledge a lot of sweet parts and tricks for fabing. Keep up the good videos, very helpful.

[@bleepinjeep]

+riley goolsby thanks

[@onefastcyclist]

another GREAT instructional video! The factory should have made this change years ago. I've managed to live with the stock linkage with frequent applications of silicon lubricant. Now I have a better solution!

[@cleverj90]

just got mine and can't wait to put it in. This video will help a lot thank you

[@staticgamingweb]

Just installed. I have a 2 inch body lift couldn't shift into 4L with stock linkage. No need to remove drive shaft and skid. Hardest part was removing nuts off of Tcase to install bracket. Install took 6 hours because of this. So worth it though!!!

[@jacobaaron978]

I kept the hinge assembly in my zj, but made new links with threaded rod and lawn mower tie rod ends. absolutely love the way it worked out. can't beat it for about $20

[@clintonbeason1638]

Jacob Aaron can you send me a picture of your setup on your linkage on your transfer can?. I would really appreciate it thank you let me know

[@11Quiksilver11]

I like this video very much I'm using it now to install on my MJ. I will add for future everytime you go to unbolt if you could say what socket and size is needed for that bolt in what area that's all. Very good install thanks for posting this!

[@wfluedtke]

Great video. As of now I am stuck in 4 HI. I think my linkage either came loose or broke. This might be a great alternative. If nothing else, it showed me where everything is underneath.

[@AllajchaSibir]

I have a dual stick cable shift kit from JB Custom Fab for the D300 in my CJ. It's awesome! Cable shifters are an upgrade everyone should consider. If you need a custom setup, JB has everything you need to build it.

[@davidsandberg7631]

I also have a JB shifter good people to work with.

[@trevinvaldes6876]

Thanks for this vid. I just got my conversion kit today and I am putting it on tomorrow. thanks for the walk-through. 👍

[@Patrick156843478]

trevin valdes hey did u ever install it and if you did ,did u have any issues

[@benjaminvolesky1653]

another great how-to video! thanks matt!

[@BlackLabelBerzerkus]

Another tip is to remove the center console and shifter (automatic). This will give you excellent access from the top without removing the front drive shaft and cross member/belly pan. Thanks for the great video/s!

[@jenv4074]

We just installed this on my tj and experienced the same!!! So much easier to access from in the cab!!

[@dominicrodiack7753]

About to buy this kit and if this works instead of killing myself trying to get in there from the underside of my zj I will be forever thankful. Very sweet info! along with this video of course.

[@larrynoname9340]

Very nice video - thank you so much. Just installed on my 99 TJ went perfectly

[@xenfiladex]

With this kit, i originally had some trouble. I installed the kit and couldn't shift to 4Low entirely so it kept popping out of gear. I even adjusted it until it had reached the end of provided threaded adjustment. still no dice. The installation instructions state that some shift handles are bent out of standard alignment from the factory and Novak gives you a template for the "proper angle". Even with that, it still didn't work. I had to bend mine even further than the template to finally get it working. I know that my experience will not be the same as everyone elses, but maybe this will help out the few who experience the same issue. Sometimes you need to heat the handle and bend the hell out of it.

[@curtismundie4931]

thanks for the heads up man

[@badgerpa9]

Is your shift detente good? The shifter has a device that holds a ball bearing against the shifter to hold it in position.

[@jareddeitch8736]

I tested it before I bolted my cross member up, works just like you show. After I bolted it up and went for a drive, I can see the shift handle is hitting Novaks bracket. I took out my handle thinking I'm part of the 5% with a different angle handle, but sure enough, I have the correct angle. I'm not impressed with an expensive kit that I need to modify immediately upon installation.

[@wesleywood679]

WOW! wish my wife looked like this. Hopefully after her weight loss medical surgery she will and then she will be tired of me not keeping my hands off of her. David you lucky guy. Take care of your lady cause if you don't someone else will LOL!

[@taylorcarr5252]

always wa.Ted to see a ideology on the novak cable..thank you alotttttt

[@workshop_from_nothing]

old hilux sometimes needed a roll back to shift but that was spolled F+R thing would bind up good n proper 2wd low was awesome used that a bunch

[@southern4perspective933]

Thanks for putting this together!

[@derrickscott28081]

Great video ! Clear and explained very well.

[@edsmith5873]

Hey, oldie but goodie!! Now know that is the way to go ( I'm a jeep virgin) LOL,,my first jeep, so you know I'll love it 4ever!!!! CHEROKEE'S RULE!!! Love the vid's,rock on..

[@jazminbradshawchavis9194]

1:34 sorry but I lost it right there hahahaha

[@TechieTard]

I froze in an "Oh Shit Mode" for a few seconds here.

[@LOUDFARTNOISES]

I had flashbacks of everything bad in my entire life. My asshole could make a diamond. I'm gonna have nightmares.

[@highwayxj9397]

I’m on my 3rd XJ. And my latest one is super smooth shifting into 4x4 and 4 wheel low. My previous 2 would grind

[@darthnatas953]

Absolutely excellent video. Thank you.

[@phillipdelaney3315]

damn, this would come in handy for me! getting into 4L is always the hardest for me. I have a 96 cherokee but I am just beyond being able to do this. I don't have a jack stand, or any tools really. maybe later down the line I'll replace it. or if the stock goes out completely. there have been times where I have sat at the bottom of a hill for a few minutes trying to get it in gear.

[@brandonfarmer7446]

That's a pretty sweet kit

[@pra3t0rian]

Dood, you need to come wheel Big Bear in California!

[@izmob7182]

Hey Matt, awesome video as usual. I have a question for you and perhaps any future viewers who read this. Is it okay for the front end of the transfer case to have that little amount of play in it? I noticed it in my zj and also in this video where you were running through the different "drives" of the transfer case. I was wondering if this little amount of play is harming the rig. Thanks

[@thuggmtz]

keep up the good work bro ..

[@eltondacostagomez7763]

Thanks for your video. Awesome!

[@westonispro]

Matt could you post a video on how to install the old shift linkage? doing a 5 speed swap and want to make sure I'm installing it properly. thanks in advance!

[@7940home]

Great videos. Question: I have a 06' TJ auto that is shifting hard from 1st to 2nd gear. This only happens when the truck is cold. After a few mins it shifts fine. I've read in forums that many experience this problem, but it seems there is no clear answer to this issue. Do you happen to know what can be causing this problem? Thanks Ralph

[@GodlessHeathenOriginal]

as always, thank you for this.... hate my transfer shifter

[@izmob7182]

i wish there was a video for the boostwerks install

[@paulkaufman4901]

Thanks so much for your videos! I have learned so much from you. Have you ever used the linkage from Azzy’s? I’m wondering if it works as well as this set up. The Azzy’s is less than 1/2 price and it is an easier install but, not of that matters if it doesn’t work as well. I value your opinion greatly. Do you have one on this?

[@bleepinjeep]

Yes I have, it worked well, its a hard mount though so things need to be in the right place for it to work... this cable shifter will work no matter where or what angle your t-case is in.

[@hotdogge-sports6815]

My brother and I are both retarded when it comes to car maintenance but we slow motioned through this video to get this done. Good stuff. One thing to look out for for other wrangler people, the skid plate actually holds the transmission up so when removing the skid plate maybe have jack or wood under it.

[@hectorsandoval6817]

Hola !! Feliz año!! Ventas en México? Saludos 🍀

[@jstans01]

I bought this kit after watching this, noticed that my kit was missing the rubber spacers mentioned @4:00. I went back to their website and noticed that I didn't see them in the images but its still listed in the parts list. Did they have a revision? If so, the fit is now super sloppy.

[@thefrugaljeeper4054]

Could you shift it on 2H or 4H before removal of old linkage and install of new ones?

[@briancee4603]

My shift lever is seized to that cross shaft 12:30, and makes it real stiff. Been spraying wd on it for a while.

[@FsJuicyJ]

I know this video is quite old, but wouldn't a WJ or a Liberty 4WD cable shifter work, and be much cheaper since you could get one from a junkyard?

[@abelh1210]

thank you, great video

[@kyleross283]

Dang it!!! I have no idea how to ask y’all a question!! I don’t think my last attempt posted. So here I go again. I got a 96 xj I’ve been building. I’ve had to which it out twice. The first time while I stuck the front tires wouldn’t spin until it was almost out of the hole. The last time the rear tires wouldn’t spin until it was almost out of the hole. I have no idea why it’s doing it. I had it locked in 4hi and the 4x4 works great until you get it off in a big mudhole

[@TheRajunKajun]

great video, thank you

[@njseashorechas2698]

Thanks Bleeping Jeep!

[@algandouzWalid]

Thanks for your help

[@algandouzWalid]

My name is walid I'm from Libya Thanks

[@matthewjenkins2369]

I worry about taking the bolts off the transfer case. I just installed an SYE and did it in the vehicle. I'm worried about one of the bolts snapping. I saw something from AZZY. Not sure what is better

[@jamingreen4895]

I did a 2000 Jeep Cherokee swap with the transmissions but it seems to be creating a really bad grinding sound sometimes when I try to put it into 4 Low I was wondering if the linkage for that would be my problem? Wasn’t sure if you had the same problem or not

[@ryansremark6983]

Check out savvy offroad's cable shifter. They've improved the Novak design.

[@DennisWHJr]

I just bought and went to install this on my 95 XJ, the transfer case anchor bracket does not line up with my tcase lever plate. It sits 2" too high and 2" too close..

[@BEASTyt96]

Hopefully this will help my 98 tj. Im stuck in 4 high.

[@rbheiss]

This might be a stupid question but what is 2 wheel drive high? I've had this 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a couple of years but don't drive it because of shifting problems. Been sitting in my garage with expired tabs on storage insurance because I don't know a hell of a lot about Jeeps except what I learn from your videos. It's the only 4 wheel drive vehicle I've ever bought so I'm a bit ignorant on the subject. Rolland B. Heiss

[@bleepinjeep]

2wd high range is what most cars use to drive around every day on the highway and such. 2 wheel drive high range as opposed to 4wd high range or 4wd low range. Low range is a lower gear set in the transfer case to slow the wheels down while still allowing high RPM for more torque, just like shifting gears on a bicycle when going up a steep hill.

[@rbheiss]

Thanks for answering my question Matt. I was pretty sure I knew what you meant but before I buy the kit that's the one thing I needed to know! Take care, Rolland

[@zachmorris8475]

What size nut is used for the sector shaft bolt at 5:44?

[@trevinvaldes6876]

I actually need one of these my for 2000 cherokee.

[@jeremy8715]

Mine won't engage 4H but 2H & 4L work fine. It just grinds loudly. I do have the Novak's cable shifter already installed awhile ago on my 2004 Jeep TJ. Now, if I just adjust the cable I should be able to correct it, right??

[@jeremy8715]

It appears to be fixed. Just a pain to get to.

[@littlebitofinsanity]

do they make for 2014 jk my friends is beast to shift

[@njinthemj52]

Neutral is supposed to uncouple everything, I don't know why your front and rear outputs were still coupled in neutral. Other than that cool video, want one!

[@marshall7848]

NJ in the MJ no resistance at either end will result in both yokes rotating in chain drive tcases

[@CRazy.CAnucK..]

Hey Matt. Would you know if this works for a NV2410 Roctac with a advanced adapter for my LS swap 4l65e tranny/ Tcase. Just woundering of the bracket amd length would work

[@clintonbeason1638]

Hey Matt will this work on my 95 grand cherokee v8 with 249 transfer Case or what do you recommend ?. Thxs

[@EvanMoon]

Please make the video of all the clips when you drop things. The real sounds are very important

[@88MKlll]

i just finished installing the kit on my 87 Comanche. it was originally a 2wd with a 5sp. my donor transmission and t case is out of a 96 Cherokee. im going to have to play with the adjustment because i have a np242 and when i count the shifts on the shiftier it looks like im bottoming out on N and not making it to 4L. shift pattern should be (2wd, 4H, 4FullTime, N, 4L) but when i shift down the last channel, im not getting a lock in the middle it just goes to the end. guess ill play with it tomorrow

[@badgerpa9]

How did it go, not the playing with it part but the transfercase shifter?

[@tomodonnell5738]

Hi have 1996 Cherokee 231 tcase 4 speed installed novak cable. have it adjusted as short as as it can be. still to long as it engages 4 high before the 4 high stop index point. when pulled back to 4 high it is in neutral. Pulling my hair out any advice suggestions knowledge?Id really appreciate it. Thanks

[@imAdolff]

Where can i get that front bumper/ grill or is it custom made?

[@blakeseaver7892]

does it also help if your xj gets stuck in 4 wheel drive?? anyone know about to put a lift on mine and I get stuck in 4 wheel pretty often I usually can get it out by going down my drive way but it gets annoying. any info be great

[@majhmr6257]

I noticed you didn't say anything about using anything like Locktite or similar product to keep things tight. Don't need it?

[@luxstar4life]

Trust me, you dont want loctite on something that small and in such a shitty spot haha

[@tailguard]

Is the shifter still working Good???

[@ajwakewood3486]

Will new shifter work on transfer case 249?

[@l.a.m7645]

Savvy makes the best one

[@kennygayer7570]

Will this work with the dodge 1500 np231d?

[@MusicSoundPlayer]

If I want to flat tow a 231, I have to put it in neutral and remove at least one drive shaft?

[@TheAmericanUhate]

+MusicSoundPlayer If just the rear wheels is on the ground, then you just remove the rear drive shaft. Flat towing it with all 4 on the ground then yes, both front and rear drive shafts needs to be removed and you can leave it in park/2wh.

[@spaceminions]

I never have much trouble shifting into 4lo when I put my transmission in neutral. Guess I'm lucky.

[@badgerpa9]

2 different items.

[@Dillithium]

Novak's is just so expensive, though. I prefer Boostwerk's design and price.

[@MusicSoundPlayer]

+Dillithium Is it better then stock? As good as the cable?

[@bajaclaws]

no way moderately priced did you see how much an advance adapters kit is

[@flex-jsteve540]

then stock what?

[@levi_mcconnell]

Does this work with a transfer case drop kit ?

[@larryalexander4833]

Yes

[@southgajeeepers2416]

Anyone had this shifter for over a year does it still work right

[@pgtmr2713]

Could this be used when swapping to a 242 from a 231 instead of finding stock rusted linkage parts?

[@velvanae]

I think that Novak has a few kits, one being for the 242. They also have many kits to mix and match. such as a 4.0 to a 700r4 trans to a 231 transfer case. Many adapters for jeeps to cover many applications

[@pgtmr2713]

I'll have to check it out. I broke the lever off the outside of my atx while doing an engine swap, they probably don't have that "application" :P but I plan on finishing the engine swap to a non blown up 4.0, to an mtx (as of now) to a 242 for 4 full time. It's not my fun vehicle but I'm missing driving it. I wasn't expecting that nut to shear of that easy.

[@samuelgodin9983]

Do you know if it fit on np241 rubicon?

[@WilliamEllison]

damn very nice

[@samsongomez7970]

I know this is an old post but thought I’d ask. Just bought a 97 zj that had a lift already installed. Last night the linkage came undone and my transfer case was stuck in 4 wheel drive. I drove it home because I was in a hurry. I know stupid idea. There was some loud clunking and I couldn’t get it back into 2 high. I parked it and left it alone. Seems like the output shaft seal was damaged during the process because I’m leaking fluid where the case connects to the transmission. Found out the linkage is hitting the bracket that you removed by lifting the carpet in the video. I managed to get it out of Part time for now but the linkage is still stuck. Would this be a fix for me? I’m lost and new to this. Love my new Jeep please help! 🙏🏼

[@bleepinjeep]

Well I'm sure with some patience you can fix the stock linkage but if not this will work... but it wont fix any damage you may have done to the transfer case internals.

[@samsongomez7970]

I ended up ordering the Novak linkage they had for the 97 ZJ and it works great! Your video helped a lot and I’m back on the road. Keep up the great work. You’re my go to channel when I’m not sure about something.

[@theonlyredsmurf4000]

Maybe a dumb question, but how do you shift the transmission back?

[@badgerpa9]

This is not transmission. This is transfer case and you shift it to the position you want and the detente holder in the transfer case will hold it in place if that is not bad.

[@dylanbelt9738]

My Jeep when I try put it in reverse it like it still in neutral but if I mess with the four wheel drive shift it will go in what do y'all think it could be ??????

[@badgerpa9]

It is not right! Out of alignment.

[@jstans01]

Another thing i ran into...my tcase was missing one of the two studs shown at 6:00. does anyone know what the part number for these puppies are?

[@davidlapierre4058]

I believe it is 4505365. I'll be disassembling mine in a week or so and can get measurements if you want.

[@bigblock53]

need a kit for the s10

[@BABIC2020]

Will this work on a zj

[@chewybbn1136]

Do u have to do any modifications to install on stock 97' tj?

[@bleepinjeep]

do they not make one for a TJ?

[@phemmeke]

I just bought one for a 97 TJ, except I noticed right away the rubber grommet nut zerts were missing. Called them and they said they were shipping. Already waited about a month from back order. UGH!

[@trevinvaldes6876]

the factory one is finished