NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

FROM AWD'S TO 2-SPEED MANUAL SHIFT, IF IT LINKS THE REAR AXLE TO THE FRONT AXLE, POST IT HERE.

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

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

AP
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No16 removed
No16 removed

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

Np136 removed
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2003 Astro np136 removal
2003 Astro np136 removal

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

Disconnect OEM connectors and vent tube.
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Label old connectors with blue tape
Label old connectors with blue tape

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

Strap 136 t case to transmission Jack
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80 lbs Np136 strapped to jack
80 lbs Np136 strapped to jack

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by 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
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JB Custom fab np231C cable shifter buggy shifter with flush mount adapter bracket
JB Custom fab np231C cable shifter buggy shifter with flush mount adapter bracket

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by 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
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Shift rod and knob and boot.  I will try to get larger leather boot from pic n pull from sports car since the vinyl is too stiff
Shift rod and knob and boot. I will try to get larger leather boot from pic n pull from sports car since the vinyl is too stiff

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

JB Fab cable shifter installed in 2003 Astro.
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JB Fab cable shifter for np231C in my 2003 AWD Astro
JB Fab cable shifter for np231C in my 2003 AWD Astro

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

Hi,

Dimensions for JB fab shifter in 2003 Astro.

AP
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Hole in floor for shifter
Hole in floor for shifter
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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Herbie »

Looks great!
"My minivan is cooler than your bro-truck"
2003 Astro AWD Astrolander/ZMB - GTRV Top Transplant, 4" OLV Lift, NP233 T-case, evolving interior
1995 Safari GTRV Organ donor - gutted and gone.
Image

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by 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
Attachments
JB fab 60" cable shift for np231C install in 2003 AWD Astro
JB fab 60" cable shift for np231C install in 2003 AWD Astro

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

More photos
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JB Custom fab cable shifter for np231C into 2003 Astro
JB Custom fab cable shifter for np231C into 2003 Astro

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

Photo of heat shield on 60" cable
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Heat shield on 60" cable
Heat shield on 60" cable

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by 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
Attachments
1 quart + about 1/2 quart more installed on bench.  I will check level after install. 30 mm 6 pt socket for fill and drain plugs on the np231C.  Added a bit of blue loctite to threads on both plugs since it already had blue LT on threads.
1 quart + about 1/2 quart more installed on bench. I will check level after install. 30 mm 6 pt socket for fill and drain plugs on the np231C. Added a bit of blue loctite to threads on both plugs since it already had blue LT on threads.

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by Astrophysics »

More images of np231C t case.
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JB Fab lever and location of 4lo, neutral, 4 hi and 2 hi selections which will be cable shifted
JB Fab lever and location of 4lo, neutral, 4 hi and 2 hi selections which will be cable shifted

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Re: NP233 electric shift to manual shift swap

Post by 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
Attachments
Np231C  in 2003 Astro with JB Fab cable shifter
Np231C in 2003 Astro with JB Fab cable shifter
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