Shifter cable problems

[1989Sho30]

I recently bought a '89 SHO, and I drove it for about 2 days, and than the stupid cable busted off the little socket on the bottom off the shifter.. The little rubber grommets that were supposed to be on the cable are broke

Will I have to replace the whole cable? or can I just replace the end that goes on the shifter?

i'll post pics once I can get my cam back

 

[dpsutphin]

Had the same thing happen to mine. You have three basic options.

One: Find a new cable and replace it. Finding a new cable will require the assistance of a Ford parts department person willing to do a nationwide search in hopes that someone somewhere still has one laying on a shelf. Like lots of stuff on these cars, they quit making them a long time ago. If you do find one be prepared to pay big bucks ($150-$200). And the installation isn't easy. Most any good transmission shop can do it, but again, pretty expensive labor. You might find a used cable in a wrecking yard, but it may be as bad as the one you just broke.

Two: Use cable ties, wire, or bolts to reattach the cable to the shifter. This is a temporary fix at best, and will only work if there is still something on the end of the cable to attach the wire or cable ties to.

Three: Do the rod shifter conversion. Kits can be had on Ebay and other places for $125-$250 depending on what kind of shape they are in. Do a search here and you will find lots of information on the conversion process.

Good luck.

 

[1989Sho30]

I ended up buying some rubber grommets, drilling a hole through the ball, putting a machine screw through it with a locking washer and nut. It actually shifts alot better than it did before it actually broke.