Ok guys I am new here and pretty new to jeeps. I bought a 2000 xj with a little over 100,000 on it. Didn't realize it wouldnt go into 4lo till I already owned it. I know there is a little bushing that wears out that can cause this, but I decided to go with the novak adapters upgrade. Has anyone gone this route and if so any feedback would be GREATLY appreciated. Also I am probably gonna install it all this week so any advice from someone that has already done it would be great.

 

i run the novak linkage. it works great. no gates to worry about. just make sure you keep everything tight

 

x2 on keeping everything tight and I love mine as well.

 

what does the novak linkage do that the stock one doesnt? i looked but it didnt say besides shift smoother

 

It eliminates the Z-gate design of the factory linkage. Basically making it less complex and easier to troubleshoot linkage issues.

I have contemplated getting one for my 242 when I have an extra $160 and I'm irritated enough with my linkage.

 

and no ****ty plastic bushing to break. this sucks when youre already in 4wd and it wont shift out. then you have to climb under a muddy jeep and manually shift it. not fun

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Now all I have to do is get it installed.

 

OK guys and gals. Started to install this thing last night and am pretty sure my jeep made me look stupid. How do you get the dern center console out. I got the shifter handle off but I cant get it past the 4wd shifter and the ebrake handle. Its a 2000 xj auto if it makes a difference in the interior design. Any help would be very much appreciated.

 

Getting the shifter off can be a bit tricky, just have to basically slide a small flat head screwdriver from the bottom all the way around it and pop it off.

Pop off the Black covers for the shifters (trans and 4wd)

I believe i had the transfer case in neutral or 4 low and the shifter in drive or somewhere close to it.

unscrew all the screw holding it in place and put the ebrake up and move the little guy around to get it off

 

Another Question is is it straight up bolt on or so you have to make custom cuts or anything of the sort? i have a 1999 Jeep cherokee sport and whats the part number of the novak adapter linkage?

 

It is a straight bolt on kit. It uses all the factory shifter linkage mounting points. No cutting or modification required.

Here is the link to the one you want.
http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/shifters/sk2xc.htm

 

this is the one you want. you dont wanna have to deal with a cable or the stock junk handle. you have to pen the hole in the floor a little more but thats it.
http://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/shifters/sk2x.htm

 

kin da expensive to fix a rubber bushing that 2 dollars

 

its not just the bushing. stock gates and linkage bind

 

Those are just as good as the cable version NOVAK offers, but if you want to keep your factory shift handle, those won't work.

The cable shifters do work amazing.