(27 products available)
Ready to Ship
Ready to Ship
A ratchet shifter, or ratcheting shifter, is a type of gear shifter commonly used in vehicles with automatic or semi-automatic transmissions. Unlike traditional shifters, ratchet shifters allow drivers to change gears more quickly and accurately. The design and functionality of ratchet shifters make them popular among performance-oriented drivers. Below are some types of ratchet shifters:
Standard Ratchet Shifter
A standard ratchet shifter is the most basic type. It allows gear changes in a sequential up-and-down pattern. Typically, the driver pulls a lever to upshift and pushes it to downshift. This type of shifter offers improved control over gear selection compared to traditional shifters.
Reverse Valve Body Ratchet Shifter
The reverse valve body shifter is another common type. It is designed for high-performance vehicles. In this shifter, the gears are arranged in a reverse pattern. Drivers push the lever forward to upshift and pull it backward to downshift. This layout allows for quicker gear changes and better control during aggressive driving.
Pro Ratchet Shifter
The Pro ratchet shifter is a specialized shifter designed for race cars and other high-performance vehicles. It offers a fully manual or semi-automatic gear selection system. Drivers have complete control over gear selection, allowing them to optimize engine performance and torque delivery. Pro ratchet shifters are often equipped with adjustable shift points and other customizable features.
Electronic Ratchet Shifter
Electronic ratchet shifters use electronic components to control gear shifts. These shifters provide precise and consistent gear changes, making them suitable for both street and track use. Some electronic ratchet shifters offer programmable shift settings, allowing drivers to customize the shifter's behavior according to their preferences.
Paddle Shift Ratchet Shifter
Paddle shift ratchet shifters are commonly found in modern sports cars and some luxury vehicles. With this shifter, the driver can change gears using paddles mounted on the steering wheel. This allows for gear changes without taking the hands off the steering wheel, enhancing safety and control, especially during high-speed driving or while cornering.
Shifter Body
The body holds the shifter and is usually made of strong plastic or aluminum. The materials can affect how the shifter feels and how heavy it is.
Ratchet Mechanism
The ratchet mechanism is a key part of the shifter. It controls how the gears are changed. Some shifters let drivers change gears up and down more easily. The ratchet mechanism can give a car a more sporty or smooth feel when driving.
Gate Plate
The gate plate helps direct the shifter stick when changing gears. It has special paths for each gear, making it easier to find the right one. The gate plate can be designed for standard or reverse gear patterns, depending on what the driver prefers.
Knob
The knob is what the driver holds onto when changing gears. Knobs come in various sizes and shapes, and sometimes they have extra features, such as lighting up or buttons.
Handle
The handle is what the driver holds onto when changing gears. Handles come in various sizes and designs, and sometimes they have extra features, such as lighting up or buttons.
Spring
The spring pushes the shifter stick back to the original position after changing gears. It helps the gears feel more precise and lets drivers know they've changed gears correctly.
Ball Joint
The ball joint connects the shifter stick to the ratchet mechanism. It allows the stick to move smoothly when changing gears.
Stop Pins
Stop pins determine how far the shifter stick can move in each direction. They help ensure the stick moves through the gears accurately and prevents it from going too far or not far enough.
Keep It Clean
Take a moment to clean the ratchet shifter regularly. Use a soft cloth or brush to remove any dust or dirt. This prevents any build-up that might cause issues when shifting gears. For a more thorough clean, use a gentle cleaner. But be sure the cleaner isn't too harsh, as it could damage the shifter over time.
Lubrication
Lubrication is key to keeping the ratchet shifter smooth and silent. Use a light lubricant, like silicone spray, on the moving parts. This helps everything move easily without making noise. However, don't overdo the lubricant; just a small amount is enough to keep things running well.
Check for Loose Parts
Regularly inspect the ratchet shifter for any loose pieces. Gently tighten bolts or screws if needed. Loose parts can lead to issues with gear changes if ignored.
Watch for Signs of Wear
Keep an eye out for any signs that the shifter is wearing out. This could be if it becomes harder to change gears or if the shifter parts don't move as smoothly as before. If anything seems off, consider getting a professional mechanic to look at it. They can fix any issues before they get worse and keep the shifter working properly.
When choosing a ratchet shifter for resale, consider the following factors:
Shifter Type
Consider the type of shifter customers prefer. Do they want a manual shifter or an automatic one? An automatic ratchet shifter allows drivers to shift gears quickly without using the clutch pedal. On the other hand, a manual ratchet shifter gives the driver full control of gear selection but requires more effort to change gears.
Material
Look for shifters made with durable materials. A ratchet shifter is typically made of aluminum or steel. An aluminum ratchet shifter is lightweight and can withstand high temperatures. It won't rust or corrode when exposed to moisture or water. A steel ratchet shifter is more durable and can handle heavy loads.
Throw Length
Consider the throw length of the shifter. Does it have a short or long throw? A short-throw shifter reduces the distance a driver moves the gear shift knob. It allows people to change gears quickly and improve overall car performance. A long-throw shifter is more comfortable, especially when driving for long periods.
Brand
Consider the brand of the ratchet shifter. Some customers may prefer well-known brands because they are associated with quality products. Look for shifters from reputable brands that offer warranties to assure customers of the product quality.
Ease of Installation
Choose shifters that are easy to install. Not all cars come with ratchet shifters. Some customers may want to install the shifter in a vehicle without the original shifter. An easy-to-install ratchet shifter comes with installation instructions and all necessary hardware. It can be installed in most cars with minimal modifications.
Knob Design
The ratchet shifter comes with different knob designs. Some knobs have a round design, while others have a flat or rectangular design. The knob may be made of plastic, aluminum, or wood. Consider the knob design, material, and size. Choose ratchet shifters with knobs made from durable materials with comfortable designs.
Price
Consider the price of the ratchet shifter. Look for shifters that are within your budget and offer good profit margins. You can also buy shifters at different prices to cater to various customers.
The following tools are needed to replace a ratchet shifter:
Here are steps on how to replace a ratchet shifter:
Disconnect the Battery
First, the battery should be disconnected before starting any work on the ratchet shifter. Doing this ensures safety by preventing electrical issues from arising.
Remove Trim and Handle
Secondly, the trim and handle of the shifter should be taken out. A trim removal tool comes in handy for loosening the clips that hold the trim in place. Also, the handle may be held in place with screws, which need to be removed.
Unscrew and Remove the Old Shifter
Thirdly, attention should be moved to the area beneath the shifter. Here, the screws or bolts holding the shifter in place should be unscrewed. Once it is loose, the shifter assembly can be gently pulled out from the center console.
Install the New Shifter
Fourthly, the new shifter should be aligned with the mounting points in the ratchet shifter assembly. After this, it should be pushed back into the center console. Once it is properly positioned, all screws and bolts should be tightened.
Reconnect Trim and Handle
Fifth, the handle should be reconnected to the shaft of the new shifter. After this, the trim should be put back into position, ensuring all clips are seated properly.
Reconnect the Battery
Finally, the battery should be reconnected. This step should be done after ensuring that all components are working well and are in their right places.
Q1: What is a ratchet shifter in a car?
A1: A ratchet shifter is a manual or semi-automatic gear shifter in a car that allows the driver to change gears by pulling a lever or paddle in a sequential up-and-down motion. It enables more precise and quicker gear changes, making it popular in sports cars and vehicles designed for high performance.
Q2: Is a ratchet shifter good for street use?
A2: While ratchet shifters are commonly associated with racing and high-performance vehicles, they can be used in street-legal cars. However, their gear-changing mechanism differs from traditional automatic transmissions, which may require drivers to adjust their driving style.
Q3: Can ratchet shifters be installed in most vehicles?
A3: Ratchet shifters can be installed in many vehicles, especially those with automatic transmissions. However, the compatibility and installation process may vary depending on the car's make and model. It's essential to choose a ratchet shifter compatible with the vehicle's transmission system and have it installed correctly to ensure proper functionality.
Q4: Does a ratchet shifter improve vehicle performance?
A4: A ratchet shifter can enhance driving performance, particularly in high-torque situations, by allowing more precise and quicker gear changes. This can be beneficial for performance-oriented driving styles or in scenarios where optimal power delivery is crucial.
Q5: Do ratchet shifters require maintenance?
A5: Yes, ratchet shifters require maintenance to ensure smooth and accurate gear changes. Regularly cleaning and lubricating moving parts, checking for wear or damage, and addressing any issues promptly can help maintain the shifter's performance and longevity.
浙公网安备 33010002000092号
浙B2-20120091-4