ChrisFix, a YouTube star and mechanic, goes over how you can install a short-throw shifter in your vehicle. He also compares a stock shifter to an aftermarket short-throw shifter, so you can see the improvement in the DriftStang.
How to install a short-throw shifter?
To install a short-throw shifter:
- Check the measurement of the old shifter
- Identify the throw distance of the first shifter
- Remove the shift knob
- Remove the plastic bezel
- Remove wires from the cigarette lighter
- Remove the shifter handle
- Remove the lower shifter boot
- Change the plastic bushing
- Install the new unit
He notes that this procedure works on all 1982 to 2004 Mustangs that have either T5 or T45 manual transmissions. The process may vary, but is similar, on other manual vehicles.
How Do You Install a Short-Throw Shifter?
ChrisFix goes into detail to help you replace your short-throw shifter. To do so, you will need to:
Check the Measurement of the Old Shifter
Check the measurement of the old shifter by putting it from first gear and then into second. You want to see the length it travels. This will help you see the difference after the upgrade.
Remove the Shift Knob
Next, remove the shift knob. This is done by unscrewing it, in most cases, but with aftermarket shift knobs you may need to remove it by unscrewing an adapter.
Remove the Plastic Bezel
After that, remove the plastic bezel. You’ll need to pop it out, but because of where the cigarette lighter is, you’ll need to remove the wires first. Then, it should come off easily.
Remove the Shifter Handle
The shifter handle is connected by two bolts. Breaking these loose is easiest with a ratchet, and then you can hand-loosen them the rest of the way. You should be able to wiggle the shifter off at this point.
Remove the Lower Shifter Boot
The lower shifter boot is held by two bolts at the bottom and two at the rear. Unscrew them and lift the shifter boot upward to slide it off.
This exposes the shifter. There are another four bolts set up in a similar way. They are 13-mm bolts.
Loosen them, and then take a flat-head screwdriver to pry the shifter loose from the transmission.
Change the Plastic Bushing
To make the new shifter feel tighter, you will also need to replace the old plastic bushing. It pops off.
On the vehicle in the video, there is a 16-mm opening. The new bushing has a 15-mm gap to create a tighter fit.
The new plastic will slide right into place and pop in.
Clean the Mating Surface
To start with the new installation, you want to clean any leftover gasket material off the transmission.
Clean the mating surface carefully by placing a towel in front of the transmission and using a plastic scraper to clear the area.
You can also use a sponge or Scotch-Brite to clear the area of any debris.
Remove the towel once it’s all clean.
Then, you have two options. You can use a ready-made gasket or an RTV gasket maker.
Install the Shifter
Line up the gasket on the shifter. Line up the bolt holes and position the shifter in place.
Use medium strength thread locker on the bolts before screwing them in, since there is significant vibration in the transmission.
The bolts can be hand-tightened in a criss-cross pattern, and then tightened in the same way. This helps them tighten over the gasket evenly. You may also use a torque wrench down to 15 ft. lbs.
Adjust the Shift Stops
After the shifter is in, it’s time to adjust the shift steps. Put it into fourth gear, and then tighten the shift stops until they touch it. Once you do that, loosen the stop by around a quarter or half turn.
Add thread locker. Tighten down the bolt, holding the head in place while you do so. Move the shifter, and you should see a visible air gap between the stop and the shift rod.
Do the same on the other side by putting the shift into third gear.
Test the Feel of the Shifter
Test each gear to make sure that it is going into gear. If it feels good, then you can move on to adding the boot.
Add the Boot
Add a washer, then the lower shift boot. Tighten the four bolts down to keep it in place.
Bolt on the Shifter Handle
Bolt the shifter handle down on the left or right, based on preference. You can also adjust it higher or lower.
Add the rubber insulating bushing. Put thread locker on the bolts, then tighten them down with a ratchet. This should be snug.
Add the jam nuts on the other side, so that the shifter doesn’t come loose.
Reconnect the Boot and Head Knob
Connect the cigarette lighter’s ground and power wire. Then, push your boot over the shifter handle, and that plastic trim will pop back into place.
Add thread locker onto the adapter of the shift knob. Tighten it down and thread the new knob into place.
Learn More About Your Mustang at Vehicle History
At Vehicle History, we have more information about various trims and models of the Mustang. If you’re looking to buy one new or used, you can do your research here.
