column shift MJs aren't impossible to find, but the floor shift XJs are super easy to find. I was really geeked when I discovered that the 2 cables had the same ends, then my spirit was crushed after wasting a lot of time trying to track down a non-existent wiring flaw when it was a mechanical issue all along. oh well. I've got a replacement now from Kody and learning occurred, so all is well.
the cowl opening is a real bear to reproduce. the old one is crazy flexy and the new foam has to be practically the exact right height to fit in there. and it was still a real pain in the butt.
figured out that the issue isn't electrical, it's mechanical. turns out you can't swap a floor shifter cable with the column cable, even though the ends look identical.
but I'm ecstatic either way.
I love a stock rig! especially a gorgeous, well kept example!
also I'm trying a new thing and dropping this into Tech for a bit so more eyes see the MJs of the Month.