I remember reading that the 4 spd assembly had a bracket for a switch mount. My main concern is do they function the same mechanically?

There are two different 4 speed ones and one 5 speed one.
The 4 speed ones interchange with each other, but do not function the same as a 5 speed one.
If you have a 5 speed you need a 5 speed one.

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It's a little tough for a 4-spd shifter to find that 5th gear.

There are actually two 5-speed ones, but they're interchangeable. The Isuzu one doesn't have some reinforcements in the back that the Getrag one does. Nearly physically identical, though.

quote Originally posted by RWDPLZ: There are actually two 5-speed ones, but they're interchangeable. The Isuzu one doesn't have some reinforcements in the back that the Getrag one does. Nearly physically identical, though.

Yep. I believe Rodney Dickman's website explains the difference between the two 5-speed shifter assemblies. Look for the shifter rebuild kit. The info is on that page.

If you take the reverse lockout portion off the 4 speed shifter, it works fine on a 5 speed.

what blooze and guru are saying is correct , that is how my 4 speed shifter works on my 5 speed f23 transmission .most people think the shifter mandates the gates and the pattern , but the transmission does all that .all the shifter does is move the shafts and levers , it is up to the driver to move them in the right direction .

[This message has been edited by wftb (edited 11-14-2012).]

Thank you very much for all your post. This the very reason why I love this forum. I was thinking that I should be able to make it work, but nothing is better than hearing first hand experience on what has been tried. By the way Blooz pictures are worth a thousand words, good job. Thanks Again, Ben