Hand Throttle

[HillBillE]

Having a hand throttle in your manual transmission Jeep can be very helpful, especially since most of us don't have 3 feet

By adding a hand throttle, you can control the throttle using your 'shifter hand', while using your feet on the clutch and brake pedals.

This is very useful when crawling on the rocks, taking off while facing uphill, and anytime you don't want the Jeep to roll in the opposite direction than you plan on going.

* Using a hand throttle takes some practice, and not all set-ups will respond the same. Take time to practice the Hand Throttle technique in a safe area, before you hit the trail*

*As with any modification to your Jeep, especially one like this -that affects the throttle linkage- make sure everything works properly, before hitting the road/trail*

The first hand throttle I installed, used a Shimano shifter from a 10 speed pedal bike. While this worked, the 'throw' of the thumb shifter was short, making it very hard to control the RPM's of my CJ.

I then found a brake handle from a BMX style bicycle, this has a longer throw, and gives greater control of the RPM's.

I installed the brake lever on the stickshift, just below the shift knob, and positioned it so it was comfortable to use when my hand was resting on the shift knob.



I then ran the cable down the stick, and then through the firewall.
(some applications may be able to route the cable through the shift boot, and under the tub. For my throttle linkage, I had to come in from above, so I went through the firewall)

On my 258 CJ7, the throttle linkage plate that bolts to the intake manifold, had 2 square openings for throttle cables, one from the foot pedal cable, and another one. This allowed me to use the outer housing of a standard throttle cable, and run the cable from the bike brake through it.



On the throttle linkage, there was a pin on the backside, allowing me to connect the hand throttle 'chain' end.


It's important that the hand throttle does not cuase the throttle to stick open during normal use. I used a heavy "BB" chain for the final connection.

This allows the foot throttle to operate normally, and still allow the hand throttle to function.

Foot pedal depressed (wide open): (note slack in chain)


Foot pedal in idle position: (just enough slack in chain to allow engine to idle normally)


Hand throttle at low RPM's:



Hand throttle at wide open:




You can see where the brake handle gives you better control over the shift lever style, especially when your bouncing off rocks

This covers the basics, and how I did it on my '80 CJ7. Your vehicle may be different, and require different hook up at the carb/throttle body linkage.

Here are some other write ups and kits: (thanks to JeffB for finding them)

http://www.stu-offroad.com/engine/throttle/jeep_throttle.htm
http://www.4x4xplor.com/handthrottle.html
http://www.jeepsonly.com/project1/handthrottle.html

[ColoFreeJeeper]

Excellent write up, I have a Teraflex hand throttle that I've haven't installed yet, but I like your idea better. Who did you use for the hand model?

[Big Green]

Even when I only the lever installed (before I finished the project) I too realized the lever was not going to be the best. I have been thinking about doing something different with mine. Good write-up.

[HillBillE]

........ Who did you use for the hand model?

I got it from a kids BMX bike someone discarded in one of the gravel pits we play in

We picked up a bunch of trash and recycling from the pit that day, so I 'recycled' the brake handle

A buddy of mine bought a complete BMX bike with 2 brake handles at a yard sale, he paid $5 for it! He used one lever, and his grandkids used the bike for parts.

[ColoFreeJeeper]

I got it from a kids BMX bike someone discarded in one of the gravel pits we play in

We picked up a bunch of trash and recycling from the pit that day, so I 'recycled' the brake handle

A buddy of mine bought a complete BMX bike with 2 brake handles at a yard sale, he paid $5 for it! He used one lever, and his grandkids used the bike for parts.

Ha, ha. I was talking about the hand in the pictures.

[HillBillE]

Ha, ha. I was talking about the hand in the pictures.

"Doh!" Thats me Being 'Mr Mom' gives me soft silky hands!

[usnavymitchells]

Nice Write up. I was just thinking about that myself this weekend. It really sucks when you hit a bump off road and the Jeep bounces and causes your foot to hit the gas again and again and again....LOL

You end up looking like you just learned how to drive a stick shift. And no Funny comments from any of you about that last line... I was driving a stick shift (column I might Add) before most of you were even a twinkle in your father's eyes!!!

[irish1371]

I have been eyeing the tera kit, how is it? also the ball-chain is an easy find in the plumbing dept of wallmart/lowes

[ColoFreeJeeper]

I have been eyeing the tera kit, how is it? also the ball-chain is an easy find in the plumbing dept of wallmart/lowes

Haven't installed it yet, but it looks pretty straight forward.

http://www.teraflex.biz/?wpv_file_id...045383a4b44db7

[Big Green]

Haven't installed it yet, but it looks pretty straight forward.

http://www.teraflex.biz/?wpv_file_id...045383a4b44db7

Your link is no good.