I've searched about 50 threads and can't find an answer to this.

So, I followed some really, really good instructions from several posts on this forum about removing, cleaning and reinstalling the NSS. I got it off in one piece, cleaned it, and then broke it putting it back on the shaft. The part I broke was the slotted, threaded housing that goes on the shaft that the nut and lockring screws on to. I broke two of the four threaded parts and now the nut with the lock ring won't go back on. I plugged it all back in and tested it and it works great, but here's my question;
What is the importance of that nut and lock ring as it relates to the shifter shaft? I'm assuming that it must be significant for Chrysler to put a lock ring on it with bendable tabs to keep it from moving, but what I want to know is what does it do and can I just leave it like that?

 

The reason for the nut is to firmly clamp the actuator arm (inside NSS) to the input shaft from the transmission. It will likely work for months or years without it but eventually, the input shaft will wear the oblong bore in the NSS and it will cease to function. They usually last forever, the missing nut will prevent that from happening. Just keep an eye out for one at the junk yard, no rush.

 

Okay, thank you. This Jeep is for sale and I just want to make sure I'm not selling somebody a problem.

 

Anyone buying a 16-year-old Jeep should expect some problems. If it makes you feel better, disclose the missing bolt and let them know that the NSS will likely need to be replaced at some point. However, if you start down that road you might as well list every single part. Except for the piano hinge that affixes the glove box door to the dash structure, I have yet to read of a failure there.

Oh, and the rain gutters seem pretty reliable.

 

Yeah, I know! When I started telling the guy everything that I've done to this Jeep over the years, it just kept going on and on. I think he thought I was making it all up, but he's just a guy buying it for his kid-he's not a Jeep guy so he doesn't understand the addiction...kind of like my wife.

So, I felt bad about sticking him with something that I broke, didn't fix and know will eventually cause him problems so I went to the junkyard and found another one. Rebuilt it today and had it on before lunch. $10 for peace of mind. I'm not worried about the stuff that I know will break that I didn't have anything to do with, like the wheel bearings, shock mounts, heater core and tons of electrical stuff, but he'll figure that out on his own. I'll probably see him on this forum in a couple of months. One thing though, he probably won't ever need an 4.0 engine or an AW4 tranny. Best setup I've ever had on anything. I'm gonna miss this Jeep.