Thinking of treating my 2014 JKUR 6spd to a new shifter for Christmas. I've heard folks recommend the Dorman 697-024, and I also see that B&M offers their 45195 model.

I don't mind the long throw of the stock shifter at all - am more interested in trying to improve the feel and reduce the occasional tendency to pop out of 4th if not firmly engaged.

Anybody have any experiences or advice?

Thanks!

 

My friend has a 2008 that was popping out of first gear when he bought it a couple of years ago. He installed the B&M shifter, and has not had any more problems with it popping out of gear. I have driven it a couple of times, and compared to my 2016 with the stock shifter, it is a much shorter throw. I may install the B&M or the Dorman one day as my shifter really jumps around on rough roads.. The Dorman is a bit less expensive than the B&M. Hope this helps.
Rich

 

Thanks Rich - that is helpful! When you drove it did you notice it being a bit more precise? Mine is vague enough that I feel like I get inconsistent gear changes, feel-wise. But I also know this tranny isn't known for being fantastic... and I have no idea how well it was treated prior to my ownership.

 

Yes, it is much more precise and definitely can tell when it goes into the gear you choose with the shorter throws. The detents are much better than the stock shifter lever. I don't have any complaints about mine, it shifts great and is a pleasure to drive.

 

Thanks again!

FWIW - I was doing some more reading this morning and learned that just changing the shift lever can also make a big difference. I guess the stock lever has a rubber bushing that is supposed to decrease vibration but also tends to decrease precision, especially as it ages. Some folks are recommending changing the lever first, and then the tower if needed... There are at least a couple of options - one from B&M which evidently fits well, but some feedback on Amazon seems to indicate that there can be some reliability / hardware breakage issues. There is another no-name option that is a bit cheaper but takes a bit of finagling to get it to fit.

 

My Jeep had a recall when it was new (original owner) to replace the shift lever, and it was because of the shift lever bushing being defective from the factory. I found out about it after I set up the App from Jeep on my phone recently. Check YouTube for video's of the JK shift tower replacements.

 

Update - I decided to try the less-expensive shift lever (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089SSLW45...roduct_details) as a first step. As some reviewers noted, the hole did need to be slightly enlarged, but otherwise it was a pretty simple install. The hardest part was getting the stock shift knobs off. I drove it a bit this morning - definitely a more positive / precise feel. I'd say it is worth it. It is a bit shorter (length) than the stock one, so the ergonomics are a little different. Still getting used to that. The knob that comes with the new lever is basic and has no shift pattern. That doesn't bother me, but I'm going to swap it for a patterned knob as my wife & daughter occasionally drive it and may forget where to find reverse.

Will continue to keep this thread updated...

 

I installed the B&M Sport Shifter + the B&M short shift lever in my 2016 JK.

The throw is about a third of the factory movement, and is super positive shifting (it will never pop out of gear), but your days of quick shifts will be over.

When you first install it, the shifter will feel stiff and you will have to fight to find some of the gears, but once you are used to it - you would never go back.

Oh, and because their short shift lever is threaded on top - you can purchase an aftermarket shifter nob to further customize your ride.

 

Is that a twin stick on your transfer case ?

 

Yep ….

I have an Atlas 4 Speed Transfer Case installed - the two levers are for the front and rear axles, the lever on the side is for the planetary gear.

The Atlas reductions are:

1:1 / 2.72:1 / 3.8:1 / 10.4:1

I’m running Dynatrac ProRock 60’s loaded with 5:38’s which ultimately gives me a final crawl ratio of about 360:1