Speedometer cable install

[Deadguy]

Is there a trick to installing the speedometer cable? I can't get the transfer case end to fit, and yes, it is the right cable!
I did get a Kaiser-Willey's replacement. The cable and connectors are the same, but the cable tube is less heavy duty. I save another site that offered, at twice the price an "authentic, waterproof replacement cable'. Anyone know anything about this? Wes maybe?

[Oldsalt]

Which part won't go on? The inner drive shaft or the outter threaded ring? Any chance there is a broken piece still inside there?

[Deadguy]

brand new transfer case! The military version says to just replace the speedometer cable. I got a replacement, pulled out the internal cable, screwed the sleeve cable on the transfer case, screwed the other end on the speedometer, then threaded the internal cable through. Speedometer still doesn't work, and it's brand new

[Deadguy]

I got a rebuilt T18 transfer case from Novak conversions. The tip of the speedometer cable that goes in the transfer case has a rounded metal end with a raised ridge on one side. The perfectly square gauge side goes right into the input on the transfer case. The strange tip does not. Does the M38A1 have a slightly different speedometer cable than the civilian CJ5? Could this be the problem? Maybe Novak installed the CJ5 receptor in the transfer case?

[jam51m38cdn]

Here`s how I did my m38. Take the cable and housing and route it correctly, then at the transfer case pull the cable out slightly and orientate it to match the transfer case and install, tighten the housing with channel locks. Then go up to the odometer and turn the whole unit until you orientate it correctly to match the cable you already have installed, insert it and tighten the nut. Should be all there is to it. P.S. You have to do the transfer case end first or you will fight it all the way. Jim

[Oldsalt]

I believe the civilian transfer cases have a square drive hole as opposed to the keyed drive like you are describing. Maybe they sent you a transer with a civilian speedo drive.

[Deadguy]

yeah, I'll bet that is the problem. I would just get a civilian cable, and rub it in the M38A1 guide sleeve, but the M38A1 sleeve is shorter than the civilian one.

[Oldsalt]

You should be able to get a universal drive cable from an auto parts place and just cut it to length.

[Deadguy]

Good idea! Thanks!

[ocwd]

You should be able to get a universal drive cable from an auto parts place and just cut it to length.

That's interesting. What auto parts store do you go to? Got a part number by chance?

Dave

[wesk]

Universal kits have been around for half a century or more. I have used them dozens of times. One in particular came with a forming die to square each end of the cable after you cut it to length. No mystery with this topic.

Shopping results for universal speedometer drive cable

Dorman 10104B OES Universal Speedometer Cable Kit
$7 - 5 stores
92" Universal Speedo Cable Kit
$14 - 2 stores
Performance Tool W510C Universal Speedometer Cable
$3 - 3 stores
speedometer cable-custom built speedometer cables
www.speedometersolutions.com/speedometer_cable.htm - CachedCustom Built Speedometer Cables, for any application ... Universal Speed Sensor, for drive shaft, axle, wheel, etc..applications. Works with AutoMeter, VDO, ...

Dorman 10104B OES Universal Speedometer Cable Kit
$7 online

SPEEDO CABLE UNIV. TIP Dorman 10104B

Many kits are also offered with the special keyed fitting on one end then you cut to length and then use the die to square the other end.

[ocwd]

Cool. I have a couple of spare military speedo cables but it's good to know that these parts exist for future projects. Thanks Wes.

Dave