Originally Posted by
robertj298
This is on my 85 Sequoia. Is it better than the plastic ones? Can I reuse this one?
For non-indexed shifting, helical cable is acceptable because you're always controlling cable pull by feel, not by a fixed length. It is less desirable than the inline housing used for indexed shifting for indexed shifters. Inline housing may give you more shifting response for your shifters anyway, but I understand the desire to keep the old housing.
If you're replacing the cable, get a slickened cable to minimize friction in the housing. You could also flush with WD-40 and follow up with a degreaser, since WD-40 tends to hang onto dust and will trap the stuff in the housing, requiring more frequent flushing.
I haven't tried it, but your LBS might carry the 'noodle' found inside shift housing separately. After the flush and rinse, I would be curious if you could modernize the housing by lining it with the plastic tube, fixing the unnecessary friction problem that the old housing likely has.