Dorman shift tower kit 697-025 for 05-06 4.0

[Coalcracker18]

I have seen many threads about the B&M and Dorman shift towers for the JK and TJ 2.4 but didn't come across any for the 4.0 specific Tj model. Has anyone installed this kit in their Jeep and how do you like it? It has the dog leg in it that some people seem to complain the other kit doesn't have that would cause interference hitting the console.

 

[dbbd1]

For those prices, you might as well get a B&M short throw shifter.

 

[Coalcracker18]

For those prices, you might as well get a B&M short throw shifter.

Initially that was what I thought until I saw people saying the shifter was hitting the console because it didn't have the dog leg in it. All said and done I'm going to be running a 1" body lift as well.
I took this pic from another post here where they said it wouldn't hit 2,4,6 or R.

@dbbd1 are you using the B&M? I've found two bnib on marketplace I was thinking of buying one of them. Oddly enough one box says made in USA the other says China, are they now made in China or is it knock off?

 

[cpwolf]

I've actually never seen the Dorman shifter for the 6 speed NSG370.

I have the B&M, and yes, it was tight. I put a BL and MML and you couldn't shift to 2,4,6 and R. I was also putting on the Savvy Under Armor, and when that went on, the shifter is just fine. B&M only sells the JK NSG370 version, which doesn't have the dogleg, as you stated. On the JK it's not an issue, 05/06 TJ it is an issue. You can absolutely mod your console, but some wouldn't want to. Or you can get the Under Armor skid that lifts the Transmission, and it fits well again.

I use Dorman for a lot of little parts, I'm just not sure how fired up I'd be using a Dorman shifter, but that's just me.

 

[cpwolf]

There is only 1 review, and it's really good on Amazon. There is a used like new for $403, that's 300 less than B&M.

I got a deal on my B&M, guy sold his JK and kept it, I got on FB Marketplace for $200, so I can't complain. If there's a warranty period on the used, I might give it a shot.

 

[Coalcracker18]

There is only 1 review, and it's really good on Amazon. There is a used like new for $403, that's 300 less than B&M.

I got a deal on my B&M, guy sold his JK and kept it, I got on FB Marketplace for $200, so I can't complain. If there's a warranty period on the used, I might give it a shot.

There is only 1 review, and it's really good on Amazon. There is a used like new for $403, that's 300 less than B&M.

I got a deal on my B&M, guy sold his JK and kept it, I got on FB Marketplace for $200, so I can't complain. If there's a warranty period on the used, I might give it a shot.

I've been watching marketplace for about a year for one local it's a roll of the dice if people are willing to ship or not. I found one up north but the box says made in China so I'm suspect of it.
Rock auto has the Dorman shifter for $365

 

[dbbd1]

I an using the B&M. I have 1-1/4 BL, 1 MML and a tummy tuck. No need to bend the shifter for my setup.

 

[Drumguy999]

I'm thinking I'm going to be a guinea pig for this piece. I don't really have issues with mine popping out of first, but second feels like it wants to. Granted i've only had it a few weeks and only have a few hundred miles driving so far.

Just installed a savvy body lift/mml, and now the factory shifter is hitting the bezel on the back gears (2/4/6/R). I couldn't get it into reverse at all without removing the bezel. For the money, i considered getting a barnes skid to raise the trans & case back up, or trying to put a spacer in the trans mount.

But after reading everyone else's issues with popping out of first, the last place i want to experience that by surprise is trying to crawl up some steep rock face.

I cannot say for sure how much better of a design the B&M might be, but dorman posted a video on the shifter and it looks like they put some real, honest thought into redesigning and upgrading the stock unit. plus is almost literally HALF the price of the B&M.

Oh and for anyone still reading through my ramblings, i also found a B&M knock off shift lever that i'll pair with the dorman when i order it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089SSLW45/?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[melbguy1985]

Hey guys
Just confirming this model works with a 05/06 tj.

I purchased one of the Dorman 697-025 Towers off Amazon- installed it earlier in the week and very happy with it.

I was having the dreded 1st gear popping out issue with my gear box, along with the occasional horrible grinding noise if not fast enough to grab the shifter after it pops out.

Was having issues with it on hand break starts, rolling along in stop start traffic, winching when bogged in 1st gear (would have to hold it in while slowly working on the winch and trying to get over / out of whatever car stuck in/on, and also rock crawling down hill / uphill in 1st low range). Basically always had to hold it in gear.

Last two days it's been like driving a brand new car. First hasn't popped out once, done some hand break starts, done a fair bit of driving and took it off road on Saturday- no dramas.

It also feels a hell of a lot better shifting- gear changes are a bit closer together (less movement of the stick), much firmer. Reverse also has a much better feedback on it - it dosnt just move over and down like it used to - have to pull it though to the right with a bit of resistance, then down into reverse gear. (Much harder to get 6th and reverse mixed up).

Install was easy - just take out the front half of the console and the cabin gearbox gasket (good time to change this as well).

Can also confirm no issues with the gear stick hitting the console - the dog leg in this model looks like it fixes that problem for the 95 / 05 tjs.

I have seen many threads about the B&M and Dorman shift towers for the JK and TJ 2.4 but didn't come across any for the 4.0 specific Tj model. Has anyone installed this kit in their Jeep and how do you like it? It has the dog leg in it that some people seem to complain the other kit doesn't have that would cause interference hitting the console.

View attachment 548502

 

[melbguy1985]

One thing I forgot to mention- if you get one of these throw some gear box oil into it to coat all the inner workings before you bolt it down.

I didnt coat mine when i installed it - it was a bit stiff, especially getting into reverse, until the gear box had thrown oil up into it. After the first 5 minutes driving it was much better.