player67
11-14-2007, 11:43 PM
I made this how to a loong time ago but forgot to post it. Its pretty much installing a shortshifter with shift cage bushings. I also installed the shift linkage bushings but really did not want to take pictures along the way. When I first got my evo all my friends could say while they sat in it and shifted was WOW THIS IS REALLY SHORT! I was like wth? To me, it wasn't. So I picked up a generic authority short shifter I htink I got from lancer shop and Speed Source 8 peice shift cage bushings and 2 pc underhood linkage bushings. This install is not that difficult just takes some patience and competence. The 2 pc under hood bushings though I think requires a bit more skill thats why I'm leaving it out altogether. First, what you'll need...
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND BUY A NEW SHIFT RETAINER AND ENDCAPS
..These will make the install ALOT easier and you then won't have to hack your stock shifter for the retainer. The retainer went for about $16 and the end caps about $4/a peice...you'll need 2 end caps...Parts numbers are in the 2nd pic below.
These are the basic tools you will need:
General Shop Grease with some towels handy
Punch tool
Screwdriver
Falthead
Needle Nose Pliers
10mm open wrench
10mm Socket
12mm Socket
8mm Allen key
Here are some pics to start off. First the shifter surrounding needs to be removed.
Here's a pic of the shortshifter itself
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0645.jpg
Here is the shift retainer and end caps you SHOULD get to make the install a whole lot easier. Parts #'s too :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0647.jpg
Alright lets get going! First, unscrew your super cool shiftknob
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0648.jpg
Open your armrest, if non RS, if you have an RS then..yeah. Unscrew the 2 screw sitting on the bottom.
This altogether frees the lower half of the console, just slowly slip it out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0650.jpg
Then, that exposes 2 screws. unscrew those
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0650.jpg
On the passenger side dash, carefully pull out the panel shown in the picture, its held on buy push fasteners
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0652.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0653.jpg
Exposed is a type of push fastener that you need to punch (with the punch tool) in the middle to get it out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0653.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0654.jpg
On the drivers side you'll have to actually unscrew a fastener to undo the panel, it does not pop out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0656.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0657.jpg
Surprise! another punch fastener.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_06575.jpg
Now, take out your ashtray. It just slides out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0658.jpg
Finally, you have one more screw to take out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0659.jpg
Now before you start going yank happy, you need to disconnect the ashtray light harness
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0661.jpg
Here you go, you're ready!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0662.jpg
For the bushings first, there are bushings on all corners of the cage (4) with a 10mm bolt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0663.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0664.jpg
Once you unbolted all of them (don't do one at a time it's a PITA) slide a flat head in there and just work the bushings out. Its not hard
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0665.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0666.jpg
Now here are the metal (8pc) bushings
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0667.jpg
Now, the idea is you're replacing ONE rubber bushing with TWO metal ones. You can see on the metal bushings it tapers on one side, how you want to do this is sandwich the bushing mount (top and bottom) with the 2 bushings in the position shown in the pic below
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0671.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0672.jpg
Now bolt em down
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0673.jpg
Now lets start on the shifter, take the 10mm wrench and a 10mm socket and start undoing the linkage bolt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0674.jpg
The other side you need a 12mm socket and the 8mm allen, then under the spring retainer with your hands, be careful its a bi*ch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0677.jpg
NOTE WHAT ORDER YOU TAKE OUT THE WASHERS AND NUTS SO YOU CAN PUT IT BACK CORRECTLY
Now slide off the shift arm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0678.jpg
Now below the shift cage you need to undo the lower retainer. Theres a spring clip just take a needle nose and push the two prongs together and slide it off
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0680.jpg
Shifter should be free now
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0679.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0681.jpg
Comparison
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0682.jpg
End caps
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0683.jpg
Now grease up the ball joints of the shifter and just push on the end caps, be careful not to crack them
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0684.jpg
End caps installed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0685.jpg
Now grease up the center pivot ball
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0686.jpg
Slide it down into the cage and slide onto the shifter your new shift retainer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0687.jpg
Align it to match up with the linkage bolts holes, use the end of a screwdriver and just tap it into place
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0688.jpg
Reinstall the spring clip onto the lower retainer, if done wrong your shifter won't go into gear properly
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0692.jpg
Bolt the arm/linkage bolts back up with the washers and nut in the order it came out, make sure the spring retainer is on correctly!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0693.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0694.jpg
Reinstall the console and you're good to go!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0695.jpg
Stock knob
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0696.jpg
My review: This is a GREAT shifter for the price, add the bushings and you really have a new feel in your shifting for only $75. There is no play, just the way I like it. The height is greatly reduced, and the shifter is positioned in a way wear it feels really stiff, and firm. The throws are also definitely reduced, can't tell you by how much because I don't know haha.
THANKS FOR READING MY HOW TO I KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY EXTRA HELP OR SUGGESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PM ME :)
DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND BUY A NEW SHIFT RETAINER AND ENDCAPS
..These will make the install ALOT easier and you then won't have to hack your stock shifter for the retainer. The retainer went for about $16 and the end caps about $4/a peice...you'll need 2 end caps...Parts numbers are in the 2nd pic below.
These are the basic tools you will need:
General Shop Grease with some towels handy
Punch tool
Screwdriver
Falthead
Needle Nose Pliers
10mm open wrench
10mm Socket
12mm Socket
8mm Allen key
Here are some pics to start off. First the shifter surrounding needs to be removed.
Here's a pic of the shortshifter itself
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0645.jpg
Here is the shift retainer and end caps you SHOULD get to make the install a whole lot easier. Parts #'s too :)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0647.jpg
Alright lets get going! First, unscrew your super cool shiftknob
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0648.jpg
Open your armrest, if non RS, if you have an RS then..yeah. Unscrew the 2 screw sitting on the bottom.
This altogether frees the lower half of the console, just slowly slip it out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0650.jpg
Then, that exposes 2 screws. unscrew those
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0650.jpg
On the passenger side dash, carefully pull out the panel shown in the picture, its held on buy push fasteners
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0652.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0653.jpg
Exposed is a type of push fastener that you need to punch (with the punch tool) in the middle to get it out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0653.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0654.jpg
On the drivers side you'll have to actually unscrew a fastener to undo the panel, it does not pop out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0656.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0657.jpg
Surprise! another punch fastener.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_06575.jpg
Now, take out your ashtray. It just slides out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0658.jpg
Finally, you have one more screw to take out
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0659.jpg
Now before you start going yank happy, you need to disconnect the ashtray light harness
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0661.jpg
Here you go, you're ready!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0662.jpg
For the bushings first, there are bushings on all corners of the cage (4) with a 10mm bolt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0663.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0664.jpg
Once you unbolted all of them (don't do one at a time it's a PITA) slide a flat head in there and just work the bushings out. Its not hard
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0665.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0666.jpg
Now here are the metal (8pc) bushings
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0667.jpg
Now, the idea is you're replacing ONE rubber bushing with TWO metal ones. You can see on the metal bushings it tapers on one side, how you want to do this is sandwich the bushing mount (top and bottom) with the 2 bushings in the position shown in the pic below
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0671.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0672.jpg
Now bolt em down
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0673.jpg
Now lets start on the shifter, take the 10mm wrench and a 10mm socket and start undoing the linkage bolt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0674.jpg
The other side you need a 12mm socket and the 8mm allen, then under the spring retainer with your hands, be careful its a bi*ch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0677.jpg
NOTE WHAT ORDER YOU TAKE OUT THE WASHERS AND NUTS SO YOU CAN PUT IT BACK CORRECTLY
Now slide off the shift arm
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0678.jpg
Now below the shift cage you need to undo the lower retainer. Theres a spring clip just take a needle nose and push the two prongs together and slide it off
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0680.jpg
Shifter should be free now
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0679.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0681.jpg
Comparison
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0682.jpg
End caps
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0683.jpg
Now grease up the ball joints of the shifter and just push on the end caps, be careful not to crack them
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0684.jpg
End caps installed
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0685.jpg
Now grease up the center pivot ball
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0686.jpg
Slide it down into the cage and slide onto the shifter your new shift retainer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0687.jpg
Align it to match up with the linkage bolts holes, use the end of a screwdriver and just tap it into place
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0688.jpg
Reinstall the spring clip onto the lower retainer, if done wrong your shifter won't go into gear properly
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0692.jpg
Bolt the arm/linkage bolts back up with the washers and nut in the order it came out, make sure the spring retainer is on correctly!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0693.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0694.jpg
Reinstall the console and you're good to go!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0695.jpg
Stock knob
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v64/kazpa67/100_0696.jpg
My review: This is a GREAT shifter for the price, add the bushings and you really have a new feel in your shifting for only $75. There is no play, just the way I like it. The height is greatly reduced, and the shifter is positioned in a way wear it feels really stiff, and firm. The throws are also definitely reduced, can't tell you by how much because I don't know haha.
THANKS FOR READING MY HOW TO I KNOW IF YOU NEED ANY EXTRA HELP OR SUGGESTIONS PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PM ME :)