Sloppy 4spd Sm420 Shifter Fix

Well I've been driving this since Jan and finally corrected the side slop in the factory shifter. Reverse was resting on the drivers seat and against me when backing up. Checked 3 months ago and Novak was out of the new canes for my SM420, checked again and ordered one last month. Finally removed the old and installed the new one. Bought a 18" cane, installed it friday afternoon, went for a test drive for a few miles to see how it was gonna be (the new normal). The new cane eliminated all the side sloppiness and closed the pattern up and works great, just needs a slight blue wrench modification to move 1st and 3rd back a bit from the dash. The old shifter had a factory pin with built in limited play but it was way too loose. Only drawback I found was now the shifter doesn't get close enought to seat frame for lock and chain to work anymore for security... oh yeah the trans is in neutral for pics

 

I'd like to help a relative add a SM420 to his CJ3a. May I know more about which model Jeep you have and your engine/transfer case combo?

 

48 CJ2a 283/ SM 420 trans with AA adapter to Dana 18 transfer case

 

Thank you. Some similarity there as the 3a is also 283 powered but with a D20. Owner is considering going back to the D18. One advantage would be the easy ability to add the Warn OD that I saw in your interior pictures.
My Willys have overdrives and I miss not having it in my '79 CJ5 w/ a D20.

 

well I got the map gas blue wrench out this afternoon and gave the shifter a bend rearward, it's easier to shift and drive with it back away from the dash a bit. And it gets no where near the seat and my hip or clothing while in reverse.

 

I'm surprised a handheld MAP gas torch could get the stick red hot. Looking good !

 

It did take a while, but I started with a full bottle, almost empty now. It is much easier without the reach to get into 2nd.