Shifter revisited

Installed a Gene Berg short shift kit today.  Bought it through Van Cafe. 

NOTE: if you are unsure of the age of your shifter mechanism and are experiencing sloppy shifting, buy a rebuild kit to do this at the same time.  Saves a bunch of time overall and the difference is considerable.  Also check the condition of the 'ears' at the base of the shifter, if they look worn or are not there at all- contact Chris at T3 Technique for a set.

 

At the time I started, there was 5 inches of snow, with 10 more expected overnight. Only 8 degrees out made it a perfect project to accomplish today in a garage that only made it up to 40 degrees with my propane heater blasted. Damn tank kept freezing up and restricting flow.  Rant over.

 

Thought this project would be ideal, and I would have something to occupy enough time to enjoy a La Aurora 107 maduro cigar.  

I was wrong.  Shift kit took about 15 minutes . . . Tops. The process is quite easy and it can be done without removing the shifter, and from inside the van.  Turn your seats sideways if you can to provide some work room while you kneel in center aisle.
 

Remove the shift knob and extension if you have one.  Then remove the boot to expose the shift mechanism.  Set up a piece of something to protect your carpet and lay out your parts.

 

At this point, locate the chamfered collar, and the drill bit provided within the kit.  Slide the collar down the shifter shaft and use the collar to locate the correct spot to drill a depression into the shaft.  This becomes the new location for the set screw in the collar.

 

Remove the chamfered collar. Loosen the set screw, slide off the collar and spring and set aside.  With a sharpie or scribe, mark the position of the washers and nuts holding the base plate to the floor.  With a  10 mm wrench or ratchet/socket remove the two nuts holding the shift mechanism base plate to the van floor an set aside.

 

There are two 3/4 inch long hexagonal pieces that serve as extenders for the factory studs in the floor.  With a spot of Loctite (did not come with kit, although kit instructions states it should have) screw on the hex extensions and secure with wrench.  If you pull up on the shifter shaft, you can get some lubricant into the lower parts through the hole in the floor.

 

Large aluminum base plate spacer slides over the shift shaft and over the two hex extensions that you just installed. Take the opportunity to lube up your shift mechanism now and slide it into position on the shaft.  Use the two bolts that came with the kit, along with washers and install with a drop of Loctite the mechanism using the marked positions you previously scribed on baseplate.

Take the opportunity to test the mechanism now.  Shifting should be easy, and you should be able to shift into all gears easily.  According to the directions, if you are able to find reverse without pushing down on the shift shaft, you need to go back and correct the position of the baseplate.

Reinstall your shift boot, extension and knob. clean up and admire your work.

Sitting in the drivers seat, the throw was dramatically reduced.  The test drive will have to wait for better weather though.