Champion Shift Knob Replacement?

[PSL5082]

Just wondering if anyone who has a Champion 5 speed reverse gear has changed out the factory shift knob to one that might be a little more ergonomic?

 

[dmillsr3]

Just wondering if anyone who has a Champion 5 speed reverse gear has changed out the factory shift knob to one that might be a little more ergonomic?

I have not. Good idea though. Best way to make more ergonomic for me would be to extend the shifter handle up about a foot.

 

[Lee H. Mann]

While extending the shift lever or knob may sound like a good idea, the weakness in the lever is where it pivots in the bushing. Increasing length allows the the operator to assert more pressure on the lever and can cause it to bend slightly. The bending takes place right where the bushing is and distorts the shaft enough to cause difficulty in pushing the shaft down to engage reverse. I have had several customers render their reverses unusable, or worse yet stuck in reverse. Lengthening the handle or lever can be done but you need to remember to be gentle with it from then on.

 

[PSL5082]

Thanks for your reply. That makes sense. I don't really want to extend or change the position of the lever. I was thinking about simply changing out the factory conical shaped knob to a similar sized round knob. I think my main problem is the angle to engage reverse. The Champion 6 speed reverse setup seems to have a more upright lever, thus more ergonomic.

--Paul

 

[dmillsr3]

While extending the shift lever or knob may sound like a good idea, the weakness in the lever is where it pivots in the bushing. Increasing length allows the the operator to assert more pressure on the lever and can cause it to bend slightly. The bending takes place right where the bushing is and distorts the shaft enough to cause difficulty in pushing the shaft down to engage reverse. I have had several customers render their reverses unusable, or worse yet stuck in reverse. Lengthening the handle or lever can be done but you need to remember to be gentle with it from then on.

I was only joking about extending the lever. Mine is really ok, as is.

 

[trikermutha]

I threaded mine and replaced the shift head. :jumpy: