Shift knob mounting ideas?

[Chapap]

The shift knob on this truck is pressed on. The existing lever diameter is a tad over 1/2”. I don’t really want to epoxy a new knob on so I can take it off if needed. What would it take to shave that thing down and put some standard threads on it? Would I need to find a machine shop with one of those big turning machine things to reduce diameter? Do it with a grinder? JB weld a bolt on?

 

[19Walt93]

Don't JB Weld it, you don't want it to come off unexpectedly. If I remember right those shift levers are hollow, you could cut the head off a bolt, press it into the shifter and pin or set screw it in place. I'd also remove the shifter and cut the splines off first.

 

[sgtsandman]

If you are going to modify it, you might as well get it threaded for a common shift knob threading. Figure out what it is in the knob you want to use and get it cut and threaded for that.

 

[dvdswan]

You could just tap it as a 1/2-14 and drill out the shift knob and install a thread insert into the knob and JB weld the piece in.

As @sgtsandman said, I think common are the 5/16"-18 or 3/8"-16. I think 1/4"-20 is too small.

 

[Roert42]

On my old F-150 I just took the threaded shift knob and screwed it onto the splined shaft. Just kinda forced it on their, the splines were soft enough. Never fell off.

 

[racsan]

the hurst shifter has 3/8-16 threads btw.

 

[gaz]

Chapap,

I bought a slip on threaded adapter because it was cheaper than the tap. The shifter stick, required a little diameter reduction; a die grinder with a variety of abrasive burs, barrel Sanders or simply a hand metal file will do the job

The adapter I bought uses 3 Allen driven set screws to hold in place and a hard rubber grommet about the circumstance. With a little lock-tite on the set screws, it remains very secure.

Because my Ranger has a body lift I also added an angled extension to compensate for shifter height, allowing me to move the shifter handle in the optimum position for dash and seat clearance.

Using these components made for an extremely simple, fast installation and afforded me the choice of nearly any style shift handle on the market.

 

[Bgunner]

I just bought a shift knob that uses 3 set screws to secure it. No modification necessary... Knobs don't need to be pressed or screwed on if they have the 3 set screws.

 

[600$04Ranger]

Might as well add a useful trigger while you've got it apart, even if you're not ready to wire it up to that flame thrower collecting dust in your garage!

 

[Chapap]

Might as well add a useful trigger while you've got it apart, even if you're not ready to wire it up to that flame thrower collecting dust in your garage!

i have wanted a horn button on the stick. Hard to honk when both hands are busy.

 

[600$04Ranger]

i have wanted a horn button on the stick. Hard to honk when both hands are busy.

I made that shifter out of leftovers from an oak burl I had made a coffee cup holder for my last Ranger. It reminded me of a pistol grip shifter and I needed to replace my original knob which was cracked. My friend had it in one of his many spare parts containers. Always wanted to have a row of toggle switches wired to a host of unconventional features but never got anything accomplished other than making machine gun noises at the distracted driver who thinks texting is more important than noticing their light was green. Childish but better than getting stressed out and confrontational. Of course I'm still a fan of laying on the horn and yelling "GET OFF YOUR PHONE!"

 

[racsan]

i have wanted a horn button on the stick. Hard to honk when both hands are busy.

Ive done that with mine, have a push-pull switch on the stick just below the knob. pull up-air horn on, push down turns horn off. Very reminiscent of a two-speed rear axle switch from grain trucks back in the day. The Dixie horn is on a separate toggle switch. Ironically the original factory horn no longer works.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Ive done that with mine, have a push-pull switch on the stick just below the knob. pull up-air horn on, push down turns horn off. Very reminiscent of a two-speed rear axle switch from grain trucks back in the day. The Dixie horn is on a separate toggle switch. Ironically the original factory horn no longer works.

Your truck is horny.

 

[Chapap]

I bought this sweet knob on eBay. I measured the shaft at 0.583” with a couple spots up to 0.588”. Going to get a die and put some 9/16” (0.5625”) threads on the shaft. I think I’ll need to shave off a couple hundredths off before putting the die on. I read that you want to start at the target OD or a few thou smaller.

 

[Chapap]

Wound up taking the lever to my local machinist. Paid $30 for him to put it on the lathe and put some threads on it… and they are some tight threads! No play at all! I didnt want to track down a die and handle, then figure out how to shave the diameter down with a thou precision. Would have cost more and probably turn out pretty shoddy.