[Slowpoke387]

So due to nerve damage I have continuous diminishing dexterity in my hands, arms, and shoulders and as a result am constantly looking to find solutions to daily tasks as it progresses. One of them is now the A8 shifter in my RE. The thumb button is getting hard to use for me. I looked at the pistol grip stuff for the A8 and if I had to I'd do that but I got my hands on a Track Hawk shifter and I prefer the look. Would be much easier for me too. Just dont know if just the handle itself would swap over onto the existing stalk/post. Kind of SUV-ish but I still like it over a gun handle lol.
Thoughts? Bueller?

 

[Spartacus]

You may need some help but give it a try.

Look at the posts regarding how to install the neutral pull covers.
That will show you how to remove the trim pieces to get to the shifter.

I think it's a T-15 Torx bolt that holds on the shifter.

I hope it works for you.

ETA: T-25 Torx bit needed, sorry.

 

[Gotgap]

Slow I wish I had a fast answer for ya but I’ve spent no time in that area, I would say get it open enough to see if switching the parts over is doable regarding shifter stand itself, you may have to completely remove the assembly and set them side by side to assess, hopefully someone will chime in that is familiar with those components..it’s not a bad looking shifter and not something that jumps out as such..sorry to hear about your nerves bud, was that from a bike spill injury

 

[Slowpoke387]

Slow I wish I had a fast answer for ya but I’ve spent no time in that area, I would say get it open enough to see if switching the parts over is doable regarding shifter stand itself, you may have to completely remove the assembly and set them side by side to assess, hopefully someone will chime in that is familiar with those components..it’s not a bad looking shifter and not something that jumps out as such..sorry to hear about your nerves bud, was that from a bike spill injury

Ironically no. Fell in the street while using a snowblower. Town plow had come by and left a pile that I tripped over backwards. Head bounced off the street hard enough to knock me out. 9 months later it turned out to be a brain injury deal. That was 2013. It's a slow irreversible progression and this is just how it happens to be currently. Of all of the chances I've taken on the track, crashes etc, THIS is the thing that did it. Go figure.
Anyway yeah I’ve researched these shifter assemblies online a bit. The assemblies themselves are def different but I was hoping the stem/post part might be the same.They look similar but I just cant really tell. I have the carbon fiber trim and am nervous to let anyone start prying on it.

 

[Gotgap]

Wow of all things…I hear ya on the prying thing here’s a start I found

 

[Turd McGavin]

Ironically no. Fell in the street while using a snowblower. Town plow had come by and left a pile that I tripped over backwards. Head bounced off the street hard enough to knock me out. 9 months later it turned out to be a brain injury deal. That was 2013. It's a slow irreversible progression and this is just how it happens to be currently. Of all of the chances I've taken on the track, crashes etc, THIS is the thing that did it. Go figure.
Anyway yeah I’ve researched these shifter assemblies online a bit. The assemblies themselves are def different but I was hoping the stem/post part might be the same.They look similar but I just cant really tell. I have the carbon fiber trim and am nervous to let anyone start prying on it.

this would be my luck...on the other side, I hope this works out for you. I'm interested in seeing the result. I imagine it would work as the transmissions are the same

 

[TropiCat]

Damn, sorry to hear of your situation. I don’t have any useful info, but hope you find a solution that works and allows you to continue to enjoy your hellcat for a long time to come.

 

[Turd McGavin]

I stretched my ulnar nerve in my left arm at a two day zx-9 event many moons ago. I could not move my left ring and pinky fingers. I finished the event, but I couldn't even do the zippers or buttons on my leathers. I was put into a cast for a month an half. Doc removed the cast, said to exercise my hand. Well when he said exercise I thought he meant use it. There happened to be a race that weekend. Before lunch I couldn't move my fingers again. That sidelined me for the rest of the season. Thankfully I never had another issue and I would quit riding on the track two years later.....I still miss it, but only in thought.

 

[Slowpoke387]

I stretched my ulnar nerve in my left arm at a two day zx-9 event many moons ago. I could not move my left ring and pinky fingers. I finished the event, but I couldn't even do the zippers or buttons on my leathers. I was put into a cast for a month an half. Doc removed the cast, said to exercise my hand. Well when he said exercise I thought he meant use it. There happened to be a race that weekend. Before lunch I couldn't move my fingers again. That sidelined me for the rest of the season. Thankfully I never had another issue and I would quit riding on the track two years later.....I still miss it, but only in thought.

Yeah i def miss racing. Had to quit and it’s how I ended up in a Hellcat instead. Missed the adrenaline rush.

 

[saagz87]

I dread the day I have to give up sportbikes but it’s nearing with spine problems.

Sorry to hear your progressing the wrong direction buddy

I would have to do some playing around with my shifter, but I wonder if you could use some clear 3M healthcare tape which works amazingly well and keep the button pressed down all the time. It should not effect the trans going into gear but if the solenoid never closes in the shifter after the brake application is released to allow the shift, I’m not sure if it would set a code or something…

I know for sure my last GMC that was a company vehicle, if I put the shifter all the way back into manual mode, the release button on the shifter would stay pressed in to allow it to slide to drive without pressing the button again. So at least for that application this idea would work and be so much easier. Might be worth a shot…

 

[Slowpoke387]

I dread the day I have to give up sportbikes but it’s nearing with spine problems.

Sorry to hear your progressing the wrong direction buddy

I would have to do some playing around with my shifter, but I wonder if you could use some clear 3M healthcare tape which works amazingly well and keep the button pressed down all the time. It should not effect the trans going into gear but if the solenoid never closes in the shifter after the brake application is released to allow the shift, I’m not sure if it would set a code or something…

I know for sure my last GMC that was a company vehicle, if I put the shifter all the way back into manual mode, the release button on the shifter would stay pressed in to allow it to slide to drive without pressing the button again. So at least for that application this idea would work and be so much easier. Might be worth a shot…

Never thought of keeping it depressed full time. Although if I could make this swap happen it would look more stock and less mickey rigged I guess. But in a pinch it might work. Thx for the suggestion.

 

[Gotgap]

Slow what did you decide to do with it?

 

[Slowpoke387]

Slow what did you decide to do with it?

Prob bring it my guy who I use for this type of thing. Have to make an appt tomorrow.

 

[BigDaddyEureka]

The good news is that electrically it should work fine. It might take a little fenagling to make it fit the trim, but if that's the worst of it that's not too bad.

Another thing to consider is that you might be able to take apart the stock shifter (or get one off a wreck) and get a lighter spring for the button.

 

[Slowpoke387]

The good news is that electrically it should work fine. It might take a little fenagling to make it fit the trim, but if that's the worst of it that's not too bad.

Another thing to consider is that you might be able to take apart the stock shifter (or get one off a wreck) and get a lighter spring for the button.

I have the shifter, as in the knob/grip with trigger type button along with leather boot and that’s it. No wiring or shifter assembly because that def wont fit the console area. Different shape. I think the grip and trigger part may just swap right onto the stalk. The leather boot may need some customizing and obviously the lit gear selection display would go away but that’s not important. There’s a secondary display on the dash anyway.

 

[thebighurt478]

Interesting idea. Did this mod ever happen? Would be interesting if a track Hawk shifter would work.

 

[Slowpoke387]

Interesting idea. Did this mod ever happen? Would be interesting if a track Hawk shifter would work.

So a slight update. To cut to the chase yes it will work. The Jeep shifter handle does swap right onto the Challenger post with one very minor snip of two plastic tabs. I bought a used Challenger shifter to try it on so that I wasnt experimenting with my RE lol. Would require attaching the Challenger leather boot which isnt a big deal. Havent done the swap yet because I’m hesitant to remove the carbon fiber trim for fear of damaging it. I think it just pulls straight up but not sure.

 

[GNBRETT]

Why not just the Hurst Pistol grip shifter for the RE?
Honestly I hated the shifter in my RE and put this in a couple weeks ago.

Its a 100x better imo and the button is used by ur index finger but u get to pull it back at the same time with ur other fings and hand so it takes almost zero effort. The switch is super soft and makes driving in manual mode way better as well.

?

So due to nerve damage I have continuous diminishing dexterity in my hands, arms, and shoulders and as a result am constantly looking to find solutions to daily tasks as it progresses. One of them is now the A8 shifter in my RE. The thumb button is getting hard to use for me. I looked at the pistol grip stuff for the A8 and if I had to I'd do that but I got my hands on a Track Hawk shifter and I prefer the look. Would be much easier for me too. Just dont know if just the handle itself would swap over onto the existing stalk/post. Kind of SUV-ish but I still like it over a gun handle lol.
Thoughts? Bueller?

 

[Slowpoke387]

Why not just the Hurst Pistol grip shifter for the RE?
Honestly I hated the shifter in my RE and put this in a couple weeks ago.

Its a 100x better imo and the button is used by ur index finger but u get to pull it back at the same time with ur other fings and hand so it takes almost zero effort. The switch is super soft and makes driving in manual mode way better as well.
View attachment 597016 ?

Honestly I’m just not a fan of the look of it. Just doesnt go at all with the more modern interior imo. In the end I would use it if I had to but Ive been driving a ‘16 Grand Cherokee around lately from work which has the same shifter as the Track Hawk and I love it. Trigger button is super effortless. Really very easy to use and I could see it fitting more with the modern style of the Challenger, even if it’s a little SUV-like lol. I would however go with the Hurst as a plan B, at least there’s an option. I dont hate it by any means.

 

[GNBRETT]

I hear ya on that. To be honest I had the thing in my garage for quite some time and felt the exact same way about it not looking right. I can relate to that for sure. Thing aint cheap either smh but its built really well its very solid!

But I seen it in my buddys car when he took his Hellcat to a car show and he got a LOT of compliments on it and I was like maybe its not that bad after all so I put it in and absolutely love it!

At least its an option and it is really easy to engage and when in manual mode its so much easier to shift gears I literally pull it back with my index finger with the slightest of pressure but because it sits much higher ithan the stock shifter Its just easier to maneuver. Its hard to explain lol I think it being such a much longer lever just makes the engagement quicker and easier I think.

Honestly I’m just not a fan of the look of it. Just doesnt go at all with the more modern interior imo. In the end I would use it if I had to but Ive been driving a ‘16 Grand Cherokee around lately from work which has the same shifter as the Track Hawk and I love it. Trigger button is super effortless. Really very easy to use and I could see it fitting more with the modern style of the Challenger, even if it’s a little SUV-like lol. I would however go with the Hurst as a plan B, at least there’s an option. I dont hate it by any means.