NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Remove the np6 today, getting ready to install np231C manual shift with cable shifter into my 2003 Astro.

AP

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Np136 removed

[Astrophysics]

Disconnect OEM connectors and vent tube.

[Astrophysics]

Strap 136 t case to transmission Jack

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Made a cardboard mock up of the JB Custom Fab flush mount buggy shifter

Found good location that has clearance to fuel lines and the rear air conditioner tubing.

The hole pattern is 2 1/2" X 7 1/2". Rectangular pattern. I center punched , pilot drilled and drilled 1/4" holes thru the metal floor.
Next step go inside van and cut slot in carpet..

The shifter plate is in the area of the old spot where the old 5 speed manual Astro shift linkage was years ago.

The center line of the JB CustomFab shift lever is about 8" inward from the inner Astro drivers seat bolts,

AP

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Made some progress on the cable shifter for manual np231C t case in 2003 AWD Astro.

The flush mount shifter is top quality stainless steel. Even the shift knob is awesome.

I do need to call Jon B Custom Fab and exchange the 48" cable for a 60" cable since the loop diameter is only about 8" instead of the recommended 12" . This radius is important to have low friction in cable.

AP

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

JB Fab cable shifter installed in 2003 Astro.

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Dimensions for JB fab shifter in 2003 Astro.

AP

[Herbie]

Looks great!

[Astrophysics]

Hi All,

JB. Fab sent the 60" cable which I installed today along with the nice heat shield since part of the cable does loop up within 2" or so of the exhaust header area.'
Tested the bracket and yes Now the shift lever has nice smooth 3" of travel for the np231C t case. The loop diameter is about 9" instead of the recommended 12" but it is smooth action at the shift lever. The 48" cable caused a tighter loop of about 7".

Next steps include mounting JB Fab lever and nut on the no231C and installing the M10 - 1.5 pitch studs from old np136 into np231.
I will use blue lock Tite on studs.'
Re install t case and connect cable,
Install new trans mount,
Fill np231C with AT Fluid
Test and adjust shift lever mid point and confirm all ranges work and engage
I may start up engine before I re install drive shafts and actuall shift into a Drive on tranny and try 2Hi, 4Hi, neutral and 4Lo selections and check for leaks on t case seals, which I did not change.
If the t case rear seal leak I can change it .

AP

[Astrophysics]

More photos

[Astrophysics]

Photo of heat shield on 60" cable

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Drained and refilled the np231C with ATF.

Tomorrow the M10x 1.5 pitch X 50 mm studs arrive at Grainger Supply.

Soon the np231C will be installed with the JB Fab 60" cable shifter.

The rear seal seems to be dripping ATF from tranny, but the weap hole will let me know in the future if it gets to be serious leak.

AP

[Astrophysics]

More images of np231C t case.

[Astrophysics]

Hi,

Got the np231C installed. Had to add steel spacers to flip bracket to allow cable to run 2" lower from t case. This increased the loop to 11" from 8".

Next, connect speed sensor,
Pull AWD fuse to extiquish the Service AWD warning light,'
Connect 4 Lo wire to connector cavity under hood. To allow all 4 gears to shift when in 4 Lo.

AP