New shifter is in, truck is operational. But I still have to do some work to get it back to 100%.
Here's the breakdown of the problem;
My local Dodge dealer told me I needed part # 4886199AB to replace my shift tower.
Allstate Gear advertised their shifter # NV26375 as a direct replacement for Mopar 4886199AB. However, they also say it's only for '94-'02. So I don't know if the dealer got the wrong part number or if Allstate is wrong about it being a direct replacement.
The shifter bolts in perfectly, the shift lever screws on perfectly, it shifts gears perfectly. But it is definitely not the exact part for an '04. The stub shaft on the factory shifter comes up, then bends straight towards the rear of the truck. The stub shaft on the Allstate shifter bends towards the front a bit then bends back to the rear, forming a bit of an offset. This moves the lever an inch or so forward. It's not a huge problem, it still clears the lower dash, just barely.
The catch is that I can't get the inner boot back on right now. I can't get the shift knob off to slide the boot over the lever. If I put the boot on the bottom of the lever before attaching the lever I don't have room to spin the lever to screw it on because the boot hits the dash. And I don't really want to install the shifter with the lever and everything already attached because that would be a pain. So I may just remove the lower dash, if I can, to install the boot.
The short story is that Allstate Gear part number NV26375 will work in an '04 if you need a new shifter. It just won't be exactly the same as the factory shifter. That may or may not be a problem for you.
