Hand Throttle

[sherpamike]

Does any one here use a hand throttle? If so where did you get it and how was the install? I assume that it runs to the throttle body or something? I have just been pondering about it after I saw one from rubicon express.

Mike

[Eric Siepmann]

Mike,

Rovers North sells the genuine kit. A bit on the pricey side though. It install in the rubber plug on the right side of the steering wheel, directly opposite of the dimmer switch.

Remove Plug
Thread throttle wire through bulkhead
Attach to throttle body

Is the basic installation. I left out a few steps but it only takes about half hour or so. Works nicely.

Do not let your insurance find out about it. ost hand throttles void your coverage completely! Just food for thought.

EwS

[whistler110]

First I should introduce myself. My name's Mike and I own an 87 110 2.5 NA but plan on getting a 90 for the wife in the future (but first mine gets built up), I've enjoyed reading the tech sections so decided to log on.

My truck is ex-mod and has a factory hand throttle in it. You could check with some of the guys who buy ex-mod's out of Alberta if you wanted the factory look. It bolts to the center of the bulkhead. I could take a photo and post it if you're interested.

[wicks]

Eric, what was the ticket on that at RN? I might want to add one.

Doesn it install into that hole with the blanking plug that is in the base of the column cover, or on the dash somewhere?

[Eric Siepmann]

Let me research the number for you Wicks. Been a couple months since I installed it.

"Doesn it install into that hole with the blanking plug that is in the base of the column cover" That's the one.

EwS

[Red90]

Don't do the original. They don't have enough adjustment. A good choice is a vernier cable control. Like this one: Vernier Cable Control (http://www.glendinningprods.com/pdfs/vernier%20utility%20cables.pdf)

They are avilable at most industrial supply shops for around $35 USD. The genuine bracket at the engine end is handy, however.

[Eric Siepmann]

Mine adjusts fine? What exact adjustment are you talking about?

EwS

[evilfij]

I have a genuine one off a 200tdi but I never have got ready to install it.

Ron

[Tawayama]

I have one off of a carburetted 3.5. Haven't installed it yet because it bolts to a factory dash, and my dash is not factory any more.

I looked at that Vernier cable site. Very nice stuff. Reminds me of the place we had make our cables in Portland (ISSPro).

[Davis]

Just use a bicycle derailor cable thingy. $15.

[sherpamike]

thanks for all the imput everyone. I think I may some parts together and try and fab up something over the weekend. We'll see how this project turns out.

Mike

[Eric Siepmann]

Chris,

"Just use a bicycle derailor cable thingy. $15."

That's scary, dude. Especially hooked up to your throttle. I've seen it done, looks fugly as well. If you're going to raid the bicycle parts bin, use a brake cable, not derailler cable. It's thicker and is designed to take more load.

Wicks,

RNK707 is your number. Haven't seen it in the catalog for quite some time. Good luck.

In this instance I would use the OEM parts. They just look better and prevent the dreaded Ghetto look....

my .02

EwS

[Red90]

Originally posted by Eric Siepmann
Mine adjusts fine? What exact adjustment are you talking about?

EwS

The genuine ones have stepped adjustment. So you get steps in the throttle settings. The vernier controls allow for precise adjustment with quick release. They are also much better built. If you are thinking of a bicycle thumb lever look at these first. They are really a step above. They are designed specifically for this purpose. They allow much easier and better control.

[Doug]

I remember an old international farm tractor I'd pilot along the potato rows when I was a kid. Had a vernier. It was awesome. The nuances of fine trottle control can't even be realized with anything less. Doesn't compare at all to the stock control I had in my '66 109, which would sometimes decide to creep back toward idle all on its own.

DW

[WhiteD90]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Eric Siepmann
[B]Chris,

"Just use a bicycle derailor cable thingy. $15."

That's scary, dude. Especially hooked up to your throttle. I've seen it done, looks fugly as well. If you're going to raid the bicycle parts bin, use a brake cable, not derailler cable. It's thicker and is designed to take more load.


Booty fab fugly...yes but scary as in dangerous I doubt. Yes derailleur cable is smaller diameter than brake cable but the "load" a hand throttle sees is not much. If you've ever revved your engine's throttle by hand you know that the spring tension is probably more than an XTR rear derailleur spring but less than that of most front derailleurs. The main point though is that with the throttle cable or hand throttle, if the cable breaks the engine will drop to idle. Either cable can "stick" open due to a gummed up housing regardless of cable diameter. I'm with you, if I were using bike parts it would be brake cable for durability/longevity purposes but I personally don't see any danger in using bike derailleur cable...just my .02.

FWIW- I wheel with a guy whose got one and it works so well(he's pretty darn good too) that it seems as though he's got an auto.

Tis

[Eric Siepmann]

I break far more Derailler cables than brake cables more due to fraying of the cable itself. Just scares my with using one on a truck. One of the club members uses the same set-up. Haven't wheeled with him though.

I wonder if you could use a RRC aux switch and disable the positions in the switch. That would work well with the Brake/Der cable and still retian a nice stock look.

Had I known about the vernier I would have gotten that. Ahh hindsight.

EwS

[Tawayama]

Anyone interested in buying this hand-throttle I have? It's factory, has the multiple notches, etc.

Only thing it doesn't have is a fitting on the end to go to the throttle body.

I can take pics of it if anyone is interested (and/or curious what it looks like).

[Davis]

You won't break a derailer cable or brake cable. You are talking about what, 10lbs?

[wicks]

Fancy this, EE has just added it to their line-up. Leave it to John to source the choice bits.

Eric, is $130 similar to what RN charged?

https://www.expeditionexchange.com/genuine/

[Eric Siepmann]

About right, yes.

EwS