You can manually adjust the resting position of your derailleur using an Allen screw or a flat or Phillips head screwdriver The cable keeps the tension on the desired gear if you are going to remove the cables you're going to have to manually adjust it as far in or out as you need it to get it onto the desired sprocket it may not be a perfect solution but it will get you closer to where you want to be you some WD-40 and get a paper towel with Molly or lithium grease and that will keep your chain well lubed and keep all the dirt and stuff out of the places you don't want it to be thicker grease will last longer