'71 shifter change • The Dodge Challenger Message Board

by **Roel Bester (Roelb)** » 15 Apr 2003 20:31

Hi, my '71 has a 70 style shifter ( knob), bought the car like that. i received the '71 t-handle from Jim's, but the shaft is way to thick for the aftermarket shifter. Is there a difference between 70 and 71 shafts and is that easy to change?
thanks, roel

by **Ted S (Teds)** » 16 Apr 2003 16:34

many 71s came factory with a 70 style shifter.

by **Roel Bester (Roelb)** » 16 Apr 2003 20:43

Ted, thanks, I realize that, but I do not have a lot of history about my car, and am curious about the fact that 70 and 71 shafts might be a different size? I've only had a '72 Challenger b4
thanks

by **Doug Orr (Doug444ut)** » 16 Apr 2003 21:49

Roel,
The "T" and the "knob" shifters definitely use different shafts. I'd guess that you could pull a "slap stick" mechanism (there's always one or two on Ebay) from a '72 or later to guarantee a shaft match and install that on your tranny pretty easily. There are probably others on this board that know more about it. I just got a Gunslinger pistol-grip for my '74 and I think that's much better looking than either of the originals. Won't work if you're doing a restore though.

by **Roel Bester (Roelb)** » 18 Apr 2003 18:25

Doug, thanks, I'll keep that in mind. Guess I'll rather leave it as is