Easiest Way to Replace the Speedometer Cable

[searya]

I need to install my speedometer cable but it doesn't have enough room to put it in.

Wondering what the easiest way to do it is. Thinking maybe disconnecting the two body transmission nuts and then lifting the engine off the mounts might give it enough of room via the angle?

FYI - the engine is just sitting on the mounts with no wires hooked up yet and the shifter and interior have yet to be installed.

Thanks,

Sean

[bobplyler]

Automatic or manual?

[aj81spider]

You shouldn't have to do anything that complex. I replaced mine (different year, but should be the same principle) by routing it through the firewall with neither end attached. I routed it to the connection on the transmission and attached that. Then I came back into the cabin and routed it up behind the dash. Unless there's something I don't know about the '84 (which is within the realm of possibility) it should be pretty simple and straightforward.

[TX82FIAT]

Assume you have a manual like 95% of us. If giving you trouble as cable is just the right length and big hands make for difficult work sometimes. Put the car up on jacks. Attach behind the dash first (either screw on or plastic snap clip) and then route down to the transmission where it will screw on.

[searya]

It is a manual, and sorry I wasn't clear in my original question, I am trying to plug the gear end into the transmission but their isn't enough room between the transmission and the tunell side to just pop it in.

[aj81spider]

That's interesting and unfortunately something I can't help with. On my car there was enough room for me to get my fat hands in there easily. There's something dramatically different between your car and my '74.

[RRoller123]

Same here, on my 80, not too tough, a little tight, but doable.

[TX82FIAT]

Agreed, concerned there is something a little different about your car. I was able to get my fat hands in there no problem to attach the cable to the transmission a few times. The Speedometer drive assembly should come out of the side of the transmission and make a 90 degree bend where the cable insertion point is facing the front of the car. I think I used channellocks to help me turn it after getting it threaded by hand on one occasion.