just an update:
cleaned the inside cable casing and then greased the cable up and, sure enough, needle is rock solid.
thanks again -b


4.2 '87 yj, 263,000 miles, mopar mpi, 33" mud bfg, skyjacker 4", 3.73 gears, arb lockers-f and r., tom wood's 2.07 shaft conversion, tom wood's hd driveshaft, magnaflow/custom exhaust, 4wd bumper/swing-out tire carrier