If you've ever shifted your T-case on the trail with your suspension all crossed up,then you know the misery. You tug, heave, and yank like a bear with his paw in a trap in an effort to row through the gates.
The factory used several styles of shifter setups in Jeeps equipped with NP231, NP241J, NP207, and NP242 T-cases and none of them offers very sure or predictable shifting. Not to mention the myriad of mounting styles. Some assemblies mount to the tub floor, some to the T-case and/or tranny, and some to a little of each. The results can be awkward and unsure shifting when the suspension crosses up, difficult-to-impossible shifter adjustment if a body lift or T-case drop is employed, and a real possibility that the T-case will jump out of gear when things get twisted up.
On our Wrangler we frequently wonder, "Is that all the way in gear?" when shifting with the factory T-case shifter. Plus, we have some drivetrain swap plans for the near future that will surely leave us wanting a cleaner, simpler shifter setup that will work with different drivetrain components. We ordered a universal shifter assembly (PN SK2X) from Novak Conversions and installed it in our driveway in less than an hour. Aside from bending the shifter for optimal angle and reach in your application, there's really nothing to the install. The shifter replaces the balky factory connectors and linkages with solid rod ends, solid steel bar stock, and beefy brackets that give sure and precise shifting no matter what the terrain.