Locking shifters together...anti theft precaution

[v_man]

I thought I'd do a little write up of a pretty simple anti theft precaution I did on my 'Runner . I say "precaution" because like anything , it's best to have redundant measures of safety , especially vehicle theft protection ...

I noticed that my shifters were less than an inch apart when I am in reverse and my 2.28 low range case was engaged . I cut a link of 5/16 chain and welded it on to my 2.28 case shifter ....





With the link welded on and grinded pretty , it was time for some paint ...



Now the only thing left to do was find the right size lock ... this beefy lock was $20 bucks at the hardware store , it can double as a boat anchor if need be ...





...it's locked in reverse with the 2.28 case engaged . You would likely break either one of the shifters out of its transmission seat before actually getting into a forward gear , it's about 2 inches of travel to neutral , and 4 inches to first , and the whole set up only moves about 1/2" when locked ... :sombrero:

 

[mtnbike28]

Looks great!

 

[aardvarcus]

Good idea, and ingenuitive.

 

[Scrapdaddy]

Good job! Something to hold them up and get them nervous, so they move on.

 

[AFBronco235]

I like it. I usually just disconnect the fuel pump in my bronco. Its amazing how many people don't even realize you can do that easily on older rigs like mine.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Your vehicle has a manual transmission so I don't know why you need the shift lock. I'm pretty sure you could leave the keys in the ignition and nobody would touch it.

A clutch pedal is the best anti-theft protection you can find.

 

[libarata]

Has anyone mentioned how easy it is to defeat a masterlock? The clutch ought to prevent just about any theft, save the really motivated kind.

 

[east_tn_81]

Great idea. I think most would look in see that and move on.

 

[getlost4x4]

press clutch in. pull up onto a trailer. engage clutch. haul away

 

[AFBronco235]

"Clutch? Whats a clutch?"

Its amazing how many guys I work with who actually say that.

 

[quickfarms]

Pretty hard to defeat a flatbed.

This is more is a visual deterrent.

On my Toyota I had a switch to defeat the clutch switch.

 

[east_tn_81]

This should deter 99% of people except that 1% that use a flat bed.

 

[summerprophet]

I wanna see you 4Runner stolen just so I can watch a police chase at 5 miles an hour...... In reverse.

 

[Scrapdaddy]

I'm sorry, but everybody always brings up a flatbed. Does anybody know what percent of vehicles are stolen that way? You can't protect against a helicopter picking it up, either. Maybe this isn't the end all answer to theft, but it sure will help. You can only do so much, cut off switches, locking shifters, the club, etc., but if you do a couple of them, MOST scum will move on. Good Job!

 

[robert]

Pretty cool idea. Shifter locks were fairly common on older VWs at one time.