Installed my BD short shifter today (long)

[jmeehan]

I felt like a kid at Christmas when I got my shifter in the mail today.

I thought I'd pass on a couple things to any one else still waiting to install theirs.

The instructions and tool list were pretty good except they didn't list the wrench size for the shifter arm nut, it's 19 mm. Also, the instructions call for a lock nut locking the shifter arm to the tower, mine didn't have one, just a nut as part of the arm.

I couldn't get my shifter arm broke loose so I just pulled the shift tower off and put it in my bench vise. I messed up the shifter on my jeep transmission by yarding on it while it was attached to the transmission and didn't want to make that mistake again.

Once everthing was apart I wiped it down and lubed it with a dab of white lithium. The instructions didn't say anything about lube and I'm not sure if transmission lube could get splashed up inside the tower.

While reassembling the shift tower I noticed I had no side to side movement of the arm in the tower, just fore and aft. I looked everything over, including the instructions. The pictures are a little unclear as to how the top retainer goes in. It can only go in one way and hold everything tight. After calling BD with no success I installed the tower in the transmission and everything was fine. There's not enough leverage to move the lever side to side without the shifter arm installed.

The shifter is a little closer to the driver, and feels great. It'll take a little getting used to but IMO worth the cost.

 

[krabman]

Mine came in today as well. Since the instructions are for a 2nd gen I had to do a little guess work but its hard to get too far off track given the size of the job. Install time was one beer. Works as advertised IMO.

 

[Deezul1]

85CJ

You must be around logging. I havnt heard that term "yarding" since leaving the Oregon woods.

 

[jmeehan]

Originally posted by Deezul1



You must be around logging. I havnt heard that term "yarding" since leaving the Oregon woods.

Ketchikan used to be a logging comunity before it was all shut down. I never thought much about the phrase, I just hear it and it fits, especially when I get ignorant and use to much force.

 

[Deezul1]

For those who wonder what we are talking about a "Yarder" is a machine that looks like a Crane with a tall Tower like a pole sticking up out of it instead of a boom. They run cables from the top of it that go out into the woods and pull logs to where the loader can get to them and load them onto trucks. This saves running a CAT into the woods and tearing stuff up and its faster.

 

[rubberneck]

how much does it decrease shift throw??

 

[krabman]

BD's claim is "20%, but feels like more". Cant say I would argue with that, it does seem like a little more. Once you install it the first thing you notice is they moved the shifter over towards the driver a little bit. Shift throws are reduced as advertised and it takes a little getting used to as I kept wanting to move the shifter a little further during gear changes. Not much else I can add, its a small bomb but worthy IMO.

 

[bighammer]

I just installed mine and took some before and after measurements.



Before first gear was at 8 1/4" (from the bottom of the radio)

second was at 13 3/4"



Throw 5 1/2" (1 to 2 shift)



After first is at 9 1/2"

second is at 13 3/8"



New throw 3 7/8" or 30% reduction.







Slop in each gear was measured (gentle movement of he knob in gear) and before it was 5/8" in 1st and 3/4" in 2nd. After the change it's 3/8" in 1st and 1/2" in 2nd.



I haven't driven it yet, but it has a MUCH improved feel to it. Thank you BD!Oo.



BTW: I was a little suspect of a bolt with a 10mm head being replaced by an allen head bolt with a 3/16" key. Need a 3/8" socket instead of the 10mm.

 

[JHerrlich]

I always get the look when I use the term "yard on it". I think it's kinda funny, I grew up in Trinity County and my Dad was a choker setter.



Anyway, I just bought mine. They were sold out at Geno's. It should be arriving when the next shipment comes in. I can't wait. Oo.