Am I right in thinking that sometime in the early days of the XJS the auto shift pattern changed?

Originally there being free movement of the lever between D & N (with a step between D and 2)

Later being free movement between D & 2 (with a step between D & N)

Hope that makes sense!

The reason I ask is because I would like to change the shift on an early BW trans car to the later shift arrangement, to give easier manual shifting between D & 2

 

You are correct. To do what you say all that is needed is to redo the gate with a little metal removal or change to the later gate (or complete assy) From memory only the gate with the indents changed and an indent between D and N has to be a good thing.

 

Like baxtor says, it isn't a pattern for the shifter itself, the linkage on the trans just moves back and forth. The only thing keeping you from shifting is the metal in the shifter, which can easily be cut out. You could easily just leave the one between drive and reverse and trust yourself with the rest.

I'm not sure, do you mean the facelift cars have free movement?
On Harry's garage he drives his early XJS through the mountains, shifting as he chooses the whole time, so either the very earlier cars also don't have it, or Harry just doesn't mind.

I think the shifter makes people stay out of the lower gears on the XJS, but damn was I surprised the first time I tried an italian tune-up and put it in first gear.

 

Thanks for your replies.

I think will modify my existing set up, grinding it to allow free shifting between D & 2.

I will probably add a little metal to create resistance between D & N just to help guard against me accidentally shifting in to Neutral when on the move....

There is a later style shifter on ebay at the moment, but it should be pretty easy to modify what's in my car now.

Thanks again.

 

I'm planning to do something between D and N and R. I shifted from 2nd to R once (by mistake) and the rears locked up and I think my face hit the windshield. Lol. I might put in aftermarket shifter if I can find one to fit correctly.

 

????


My Jeep is different. It shifts easily from D to 2. Or 2 to D!!


The detents in my XJS shift tower in my XJ wuzza 6, has that annoying detent. But, I live with it.


I've read that others grind it away.


To each his own level of tolerance....


Carl