XTR RD cage swap: short cage from low normal M951 onto high normal M952?

[rentedmule]

This may be a stupid question and I'm sure it's one I could answer through experimentation...

I have one short cage, rapid rise M951 and a collection of long cage, high-normal M952 rear mechs. I'd really like a short cage, high normal on my M1 but I'm loath to buy yet another derailleur.

Can a low normal cage be swapped onto a high normal mech, or are the spring retainer holes in a different spot? Can a 951 cage be swapped onto a 952?

xtr mechs by Rented Mule, on Flickr

I've read through the thread below and the link within, but I don't think it addressed the low vs. high normal cage.

Thread 'Shimano XTR M950 Cage Change'

Oct 19, 2022

Hello all.

I’ve got two XTR M950 rear derailleurs. One long cage and one medium cage.

I was hoping to swap the cages over to the respective bodies.

Having never done this before I was wondering how risky this is to do. I assume as there is an Allen key port it can be done…just didn’t want to knacker two of them if there is a risk of doing so.

Any views welcome please.

Thanks.

• Matttymm
• Replies: 5
• Forum: Retro MTB Chat

 

[boxxer]

You can swap cages (both the fixed front side and bolt on rear side) which is what I think you’re getting at.

The cage should be held on by a 5 or 6mm hex key bolt and there is the sting behind it which is a bit fiddly but it can be done

 

[rentedmule]

Thank you very much! I'll give it a shot.