Why We Run Winters Shifters | Simple, Reliable, No BS Performance
At Wide Open Design, we get asked all the time: “Why do you guys run Winters shifters in almost everything?” The answer is honestly pretty simple: they work.
When you're building:
- rock crawlers
- Ultra4 cars
- race buggies
- rock bouncers
- custom Jeeps
you want parts that are reliable, simple, easy to service, and hard to break. That’s exactly why we continue using Art Carr / Winters shifters in our builds.
Watch the Wide Open Design: Why We Run Winters Shifters Video
When it comes to high-stakes off-roading, you need a shifter that is as rugged as your rig. In this overview, the Wide Open Design team explains why the Winters (Art Carr) Shifter is our go-to for almost every build [00:03]. Its simple, mechanical design means there are no complex springs or levers to jam when things get muddy or dusty [00:14]. We break down the differences between the Flush Mount and Console Style options [00:56] and discuss the versatility of gate plates—including the "Rock Gate" that allows for lightning-fast shifts between first and reverse [02:35]. Whether you're running a Turbo 400, 700R4, or a C6, we show you how this shifter kit provides the "bling" and the "brawn" your drivetrain deserves.
Simple Mechanical Design
One of the biggest advantages of a Winters shifter is the simplicity. There are:
- no complicated lockouts
- no spring-loaded mechanisms
- no electronics
- no unnecessary moving parts
It’s simply a mechanical cable shifter. Even when dirt, mud, or dust get into the shifter, they continue to work reliably.
And for off-road vehicles, that matters.
Different Shifter Styles
Console Style- The most popular option.
Features:
- black plastic housing
- simple mounting
- clean appearance
- great for Jeeps and enclosed interiors
Top Mount- Bolts vertically into custom sheet metal or fabricated interiors.
Designed for:
- aluminum interiors
- tube chassis cars
- custom consoles
- fabricated dashboards
No Console- The shifter mechanism by itself without the plastic console housing.
Perfect for:
- race cars
- buggies
- custom interiors
This style works awesome with the Wide Open Design Winters Shifter No Console Style Mount.
Gate Plates: Rock Gates vs Standard Gates
Another major reason off-road guys love Winters shifters is the ability to run different gate plates. The most common setup at WOD is the Rock Gate. A rock gate leaves the path into reverse open so drivers can quickly shift from first gear to reverse during technical climbs or recoveries.
That quick reverse engagement is extremely useful in:
- rock crawling
- hill climbs
- competition driving
Leave a comment