205 t-case speedo issue

[jimboy5]

hey guys, I'm having an issue with my speedo cable on my 85 k5... I just finished swapping out my 700r4/208 to sm465/205. The speedo cable never really worked with the old setup (700r4/208) and then I put the sm465/205 in and it worked for a little bit but then got a twisted up and trashed down where it connects to the t-case somehow...

So I got another speedo cable and installed it and it worked for a few drives and then just stopped working and haven't got it to work since. When I get under my rig and unhook it from the tcase it still has the square shape to it so it's not stripped or anything and when i spin it around my buddy says the speedo kind of tweaks a little bit which must mean that everything from there on up should be connected correctly.

I personally think that it could somehow be the connection between the 205 and the speedo cable...? any ideas fellas? this thing has been haunting me, sorry for the long ass post!

[Cooter!]

It is possible to screw the fitting in and miss the square drive female inside the t-case. Done it myself

Triple check the engagement at the 'case...

[guidolyons]

Use a drill to spin the speedo cable and make sure the speedometer actually works, and there's no kinks or severe bends. If that checks out, it's probably the speedo drive gear, the one that drives the cable is metal, but the gear that is on the tailshaft/rear output is plastic, might have some stripped teeth. You can unscrew the speedo drive and use a flashlight to inspect the plastic gear. It's pretty easy to replace, pull the yoke, rear bearing retainer and bearing, and slide a new one on.

[Mh4Runner]

I have seen the square drive break off at the back of the speedo as well.

Edit: It would work intermittently.

[jimboy5]

Originally Posted by Mh4Runner

I have seen the square drive break off at the back of the speedo as well.

Edit: It would work intermittently.

Ok so I'm pretty sure the little square piece broke off at the tip and dunno if it is still stuck in there or not... but there is a little chip at the end of the square piece so I hooked up the drill to it and the speedometer still worked fine.

Is there a simple fix? or do I have to buy a whole new speedo cable?

bare with my guys, thanks for all the help!

[Mh4Runner]

Get a new cable.