Problems fixed!

Ok - speedo cable grenaded itself so the squeaking stopped. Cheap and easy fix.

The parts came in for the shift tower thingy.  It is a defender type with a pressed steel pin instead of a set screw.

I guess the slop of the old shifter was the reason for a 'notchy' gearbox.  This thing shifts like butter now.  (cold butter, but butter)  There is a BIG e-clip that keeps the shifter spring in along with a lower flat washer and a conical upper washer.     1/2 hour job after paint dries.

I checked the  reverse wires for grounding etc.. but could not find a short. 

Houston, we have heater.  On a 39 degree day there is a warm waft of air that circulates thru the front of the cab before getting sucked out the seal - lacking rear windows.

 New LAND ROVER brake switch.  It works!

 Here is the reverse short after putting back on the tunnel cover.  My reverse switch + terminal is directly behind the 4wd push lever mounting bolt.  After a couple hundred miles the bolt wore thru the heat shrink and shorted - problem fixed w ground down bolt.