Migration up the cable isn't usually an issue. Don't lubricate the last few inches before the speedometer if using a wet lubricant because it can migrate. I use white lithium grease. If you use or have used graphite never use a wet lubricant, continue to use graphite. Graphite mixed with wet lubricant will turn in to non lubricating gunk. There are several discussions on the old site about it. Here is one:

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Hi Bob

Listen to Tiny's advice.

I used regular lithium complex grease, but made the mistake of packing the top end of the cable full.

The spiral of the cable WILL auger the grease toward the speedometer, so I ended up with grease inside the magnet area of mine, which dragged the needle all the way over to the right.  🙂

It actually worked out great though.

When I was done swabbing out the grease I could get at, my new speedometer was WELL lubricated, and the numbers on the odometer looked slightly "aged" making the speedometer look original to the truck.  🙂

Long story short, do as Tiny says, and leave the "bell" at the end of the cable empty so any grease that finds it's way that far will accumulate there before getting into the speedometer itself.

My thanks to stovbolt and tiny for sage advice. I have no Idea what kind of lubricant has been squirted into the original cable on my car. I plan on swabbing out the cable casing with a knotted string and brake cleaner. I believe that would give me a clean sheath and the option of re-lubricating with either graphite or lithium grease. Under these circumstances, which lubricant would you consider to be a superior product?

@bob-remm 

I prefer the grease.

I like to flex the cable while working the grease into it so there is actually grease inside the coils of the cable itself.

That way the cable acts as a reservoir of lubricant that will gradually work it's way out to where it is needed, when it's needed.

I think it helps to protect everything from corrosion as well.

But then, I've never used graphite to compare it with either.  🙂

@ole-olson Thanks again stovblt. Good advice.

Chip advised in a thread on the old site that his experience shows lithium can dry out in time. He uses plain old motor oil with good success. I would think any lubricant that is viscus enough to hang around and do it's job but doesn't stiffen in the cold of winter will work fine.

@tiny 

Hi Tiny

Are you thinking of the old white lithium "Lubriplate" grease?

If so, yes, it dries out.

But I'm referring to regular multipurpose chassis/bearing greases that are almost all now lithium complex soap based.

So...

Using the term I SHOULD have used...

Use regular multipurpose chassis/bearing grease, (NOT THE WHITE STUFF).

Sorry for any confusion I might have caused.

@bob-remm 

Hi Bob

Hope you see my clarification on greases above.

The grease I use is regular multipurpose chassis/bearing grease.

Not the white stuff!

@ole-olson I have read your revision and have noted the difference. Kudos!

@ole-olson No criticism intended Ole. As I was searching the old site I ran across Chip's reply and thought it was pertinent information for the OP to have. Personally I use lithium assembly lube. No issues as of yet.

@tiny 

Rest assured I didn't take it as criticism.  🙂

Your information was certainly pertinent and revealed a lack of clarity on my part, and I thank you for that.  👍