The Winters Torqueflite 727 / AMC SideWinder Gated Shifter provides positive, repeatable gear selection for Jeeps, rock crawlers, off-road buggies, race vehicles, street rods, and custom builds using compatible Chrysler Torqueflite 727 or American Motors automatic transmissions. Instead of relying on spring-loaded lockout levers, the SideWinder uses a stepped steel gate and mechanical guard system to guide the shift handle through each transmission position. The Torqueflite 727, also commonly referred to as the TF-8, is a proven heavy-duty three-speed automatic used in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and performance applications. Compatible American Motors applications also used versions of the Torqueflite transmission family. The SideWinder provides these transmissions with a simple mechanical shifting system that works especially well in off-road and custom builds where positive gear selection and durability matter. The Reverse position is protected by an offset section of the gate that requires deliberate movement before the handle can enter Reverse, helping reduce the chance of an accidental gear selection during aggressive driving or high-vibration off-road use. Each shifter arrives fully assembled in its own console and includes a 5-foot shifter cable and transmission linkage hardware for installation. Includes: (1) Fully Assembled Winters SideWinder Torqueflite 727 / AMC Gated Shifter (1) 5-Foot Shifter Cable Transmission Shift Linkage Hardware Integrated Steel Gate and Mechanical Reverse Guard Specifications Specification Details Manufacturer Winters Performance Products Product Type Automatic Transmission Gated Shifter Shifter Series SideWinder Transmission Compatibility Torqueflite 727 / TF-8 and Compatible AMC Applications Shift Mechanism Mechanical Stepped-Gate Design Reverse Protection Offset Mechanical Safety Gate Console Included Cable Length 5 Feet Transmission Linkage Included Assembly Ships Fully Assembled Fitment Compatible Transmissions: Chrysler Torqueflite 727 / TF-8 – 1966 & Later Applications Compatible American Motors Automatic Transmissions – 1972 & Later Applications Common Applications: Jeep Builds Rock Crawlers Rock Bouncers Off-Road Buggies Race Vehicles Street / Strip Builds Custom Tube Chassis Vehicles Installation Notes: Confirm the transmission model and valve-body shift pattern before selecting your gate configuration. The shifter gate must match the transmission's actual shift sequence. Verify the included 5-foot cable is long enough for the planned routing. Set both the transmission and SideWinder shifter in Neutral before final cable adjustment. After adjustment, verify full engagement in Park, Reverse, Neutral, and all forward ranges before operating the vehicle. Keep the shifter cable away from headers, exhaust heat, sharp bends, and moving drivetrain or suspension components. Custom mounting may be required in fabricated consoles and tube chassis applications. For custom installations, the Wide Open Design Winters Shifter Mounting Brackets provide a rigid, pre-drilled mounting foundation for the SideWinder housing. FAQ What is the difference between a Torqueflite 727 and TF-8? Torqueflite 727 and TF-8 are names used for the same basic Chrysler heavy-duty three-speed automatic transmission family. You may see the transmission identified as a 727, TF727, Torqueflite 727, or TF-8 depending on the vehicle, manufacturer, or parts reference. Why is the Torqueflite 727 popular in off-road builds? The 727 is a simple, durable three-speed automatic that has been used for decades in trucks, Jeeps, performance vehicles, and custom off-road builds. Its strength and mechanical simplicity make it a practical transmission for vehicles that see large tires, low-range gearing, and hard trail use. Does this SideWinder work with AMC applications? Yes, this shifter is intended for the compatible American Motors applications listed for this Winters configuration, including 1972 and later applications. Because transmission swaps and modifications are common in older AMC and Jeep vehicles, verify the transmission itself rather than ordering based only on vehicle year or model. Do I need a standard or reverse-pattern gate? The correct gate depends on the valve body installed in your transmission. A conventional automatic valve body requires the appropriate standard-pattern gate, while a reverse-manual valve body requires the matching reverse-pattern gate. The gate must match the transmission's actual shift sequence. How does the Reverse safety gate work? Reverse is positioned behind an offset section of the gate. The driver must intentionally move the shift handle through that offset before entering Reverse, helping prevent a direct accidental shift from a forward range into Reverse. Is the included 5-foot cable long enough? The included 5-foot cable works for many front-engine Jeeps, trucks, and custom builds. Stretched chassis, rear-engine vehicles, or installations requiring more complex cable routing may require a longer cable. Can I mount the SideWinder at an angle? Yes. Because the SideWinder operates through a flexible push-pull cable rather than rigid linkage, the shifter can be positioned to work with many custom cockpit and console layouts. The mounting structure should remain rigid so the shifter housing does not move during aggressive gear changes. How should I adjust the SideWinder cable? Place both the transmission selector and SideWinder shifter in Neutral before making the final cable adjustment. Once adjusted, move the shifter through the complete gear range and verify that each shifter position fully engages the corresponding transmission position without binding or excessive cable tension.
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