Since installing an aftermarket arm rest and memory foam hed rest, its much more comfortable to lean the seat back. The only problem is, 1st, 3rd, and 5th gear are a stretch for my arm to reach now. Was wondering if anyone has taken a torch to the shift lever and bent it back a bit. I'm just talking about the upper portion. Would it cause any problems?

 

Phew! I thought you meant bent it under some sort of incredible road rage. I can't imagine bending the arm would make any difference functionally. You're just relocating the knob with respect to your hand.

 

Not on a Jeep. I bent the shift lever on a 1954 F350 once so I could shift without banging my buckles on dash

 

Bent it back an inch and to the left 1.5 inches. Just stuck the lever in a hole near my front bumper and torqued on it. Definitely better now.

 

We need pictures! Any interference with the console or anything?

 

The 12+ have the shifter bent just a little to where you're describing. It's comfortable and an easier avenue for someone looking to get similar results without a torch.

 

I made a new shaft with a threaded end and it is approximately 2 1/2 inches longer. I also took the 4wd shifter out and bent it and made a 2 inch extension for it. Cannot believe how much of an improvement it made! I made sure that I cleared the 4wd shifter and also was able to give some room so we can use both cup holders. Sounds a little trivial but originality the shifter would knock the water bottle or coffee mug out of holder before I modded it.

 

Very nice. That looks much better. It definitely makes a difference in comfort and driveability when you're constantly shifting gears. Did you just get a piece of steel rod and bend/thread it or is there somewhere I can but one like yours?


I see B&M makes extended levers just like yours. They are expensive. About $400 USD for the pair. I'm in Canada so after conversion, shipping, and duty, I'm probably looking at $600 - $700 CAD. Does anyone know of a company who makes cheaper extended shift levers for the jk. I'm not having much luck finding any less expensive options.

 

Hello, yes I made a new rod out of 5/8 steel and kept heating and bending it until I liked how it felt and had the clearance that I needed. I got the idea from seeing the B&M shifter handles. I cannot believe what a difference it makes in comfort! I found this link and may work for a lot cheaper.
https://www.cjponyparts.com/rough-co...All%20Products

 

Thanks for that. Yeah I have a body lift and shift adapter already. I could get a fabrication shop to weld longer levers on. That's always an option.