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My 51 M38 has a speedometer problem. It may be the cable in that; when I connect with a drill and push the cable up as far as possible and reverse the direction the speedometer turns. Because I must push the cable up into the housing for the speedo to work I'm led to think that the cable is too short. When I connect to the trans. it doesn't work. Of course the gear in the trans. may be bad. With all of this, to remove the cable does it come out from the top at the speedo or below? thanks!

First make sure the gear is engaging the cable. Connect the lower end to the transfer. Remove the top end from the speedo. Gently try turning the top end of the cable either way. If it won't rotate either way then odds are the drive gear is fine. The cable has a slotted washer at the bottom end that prevents the cable from being withdrawn out the top.

Next remove the entire assembly. Slide the core out of the sheath or casing. Measure the length of each.

There are two different cable assemblies that differ in length.

Thanks Wes for reminding me how to check the gear in the transfer case!!