One of my winter projects is installing a Cheetah shifter in the Dart. How difficult is it to install one with the cable in front? Seems like a crap ton of cable to have to route. Any advice is appreciated
Shifter Install
- Thread starter scatpakman
- Start date
-
I haven't done a Cheetah but have installed several other cable operated shifters. The cable is easily looped up and around the back of the transmission bell, but care must be taken to route the cable around any heat source on the left side (header or manifold). I would also recommend getting some sort of heat sock to protect the cable where it comes close to said heat source.
I've had to replace two different cables because they were improperly routed. Once the outer cable melts, the shifter is useless. You CAN slide under the running car and put it into gear to get you home but it's not for the faint of heart. Good luck!
I've had to replace two different cables because they were improperly routed. Once the outer cable melts, the shifter is useless. You CAN slide under the running car and put it into gear to get you home but it's not for the faint of heart. Good luck!
I’ve not done an aftermarket automotive shifter like that before BUT
I have done PTOs, remote valves and other cable driven items on big trucks and buses for over 40years.
Those shifter cables on aftermarket stuff are not special. They are not unique or one sized only for cars. Places like Fleetpride truck part stores (Napa for big trucks and heavy equipment) can make you a custom cable if you bring them your cable and let them know the length they send it to their central location and make you exactly what you want. Here in CT they have a Fleet pride location; I believe in New Haven, CT that they make cables and put together gear boxes for PTOs and pumps. That’s where my stuff goes for custom builds.
If you ask around you will find out who near you does this and just have a custom cable made. When you go to a show with custom cars like SEMA you never see on a $125,000 - $250,000 build with a cable in circles under a car.
It may take a bit of digging but it is actually done all the time.
Good luck!
Syleng1
I have done PTOs, remote valves and other cable driven items on big trucks and buses for over 40years.
Those shifter cables on aftermarket stuff are not special. They are not unique or one sized only for cars. Places like Fleetpride truck part stores (Napa for big trucks and heavy equipment) can make you a custom cable if you bring them your cable and let them know the length they send it to their central location and make you exactly what you want. Here in CT they have a Fleet pride location; I believe in New Haven, CT that they make cables and put together gear boxes for PTOs and pumps. That’s where my stuff goes for custom builds.
If you ask around you will find out who near you does this and just have a custom cable made. When you go to a show with custom cars like SEMA you never see on a $125,000 - $250,000 build with a cable in circles under a car.
It may take a bit of digging but it is actually done all the time.
Good luck!
Syleng1
The Cheetah brings the cable into the trans from the rear. It comes out the front of the shifter, loops out the rh side of the tunnel, crosses over in front of the trans cross member, and up to the shift lever. With the rear entry, the cable generally routes out of harms way from the headers/manifolds. The instructions are well-written and it makes for an overall straightforward install with little drama.
The avatar has a Cheetah for its rmvb trans. The shifter works very well once you get used to it. Don't put your hand on it during launch. (Don't ask me...!!)
Last edited:
MMissile
Well-Known Member
I've never had much success with front exit shifters. I used them, but always had to route them weird, and heat-sleeve protect them. They all work great, with enough thought and care with an install.
-
Similar threads
