The idea for the Shiftster came to us late one night in 2009 after spending the previous day getting extremely frustrated trying to get the electric shift system operating on our son's '87 Ford Bronco. We went to Google that day and searched and read and downloaded a dozen diagrams, forum discussions, "Quick Fix" threads (that did not) wiring schematics and parts suppliers in an attempt to understand the overly complicated and problematic S.O.T.F system that Ford seemed to feel was a good idea back in the day. After finally determining that a new electric shift motor was indeed the culprit and needed replacing, it was just a choice of how much money we were willing to spend on one---$79.00 for a cheap rebuilt import with a 24 hour warranty? $120.00 for a slightly better 'branded' unit from a well known auto parts house? A hundred and sixty five bucks from one of America's best parts suppliers? Or even $250.00+ for a brand spanking new one from the dealer? Well to be quite honest, after putting in a brand new crate 302, a completely rebuilt AOD, new tires, starter,radiator, hoses, tune-up ad nauseum into this Bronco....we were quite frankly about out of money. So we put pencil to paper and started drawing. Then went into 'The Lab', where the first Shiftster prototype was born. Which was both hideous and wracked with problems. So it was back to the drawing board and the machine shop. And finally, after 5 months of painstaking machine work, parts procurements, design changes and some trial and error, we had her completely dialed in and ready to patent, manufacture and sell to our fellow Ford 4 wheel drive owners all across the northern hemisphere. And even one very happy Bronco owner in Lima, Peru of all places.

 

As of today (May 9th, 2011) we are proud to say that we have sold over 120 Shiftsters in the first 11 months since it debuted. We know that to some folks this may seem like an insignificant number, but the fact is the Shiftster is only currently advertised on only five various off roading forums. 4x4 Mecca, The Ranger Station, the Full Size Bronco forum,Wheelin' Dixie and Carolina Broncos. No magazines, no flyers, no print media, no cable shows, and not even at any off road expos. But....that is all going to change this year. We are currently ramping up our production of the Shiftster, we are in talks with a very well known truck accessory manufacturer about distribution possibilities, are looking into getting the Shiftster a spot on one of the cable stations that focus on our passion of off roading and we are mapping out a tour of the Western states that we hope to be renting spaces at off road expos and such. Because we now are certain that the design, the quality, the application and the price of the Shiftster does have a legitimate use in any vehicle with the Borg Warner 13-54/13-56 series of electrically shifted transfer case. As both an inexpensive yet permanent fix, or as a must-have trail repair component that any serious off roader should keep in their vehicle. Because it's not a matter of if your S.O.T.F system will eventually fail.....but when and where it will fail. So please be prepared, practice safe off roading and most importantly, enjoy our great outdoors here in America.

 

Thank you, from all of us at the Shiftster