NV 5600 Short Shifter

[Dean Upson]

Sorry if this subject has been previously discussed but I am so impressed with the BD Short shifter that I just have to post my impressions.

Last spring I met up with Fireman in Tennessee and he showed me the short shifter in a box that he had just bought in a group purchase (wish I had been that smart ). It looked pretty good but I was not about to buy one without trying one out. Last month I drove Fireman's truck and was really impressed with the shifter and sent for one from Geno's. The price just went up to $215. I must say that, imo, it is well worth the investment. My truck shifts like a sports car. What a neat little B. O. M. B. . Oo.



Dean

 

[nickleinonen]

price increase sucks. i was thinking of getting one, but... BD's website still shows $195usd for the kit, but their online price book shows $225...

 

[Dean Upson]

The price just went up. For what it's worth, I'm not sorry I spent the money for it.



Dean

 

[scbroder]

Does this kit lower the shift knob? I have seen pictures that make the shift knob look closer to the floor, maybe 1. 5 inches. Not sure I would like that.

 

[Dean Upson]

I don't notice the shift knob being closer to the floor, but the position is nearer the driver. I did not measure before and after. I personally like the position of the shifter now better than before.



Dean

 

[KBertetto]

Dean,

Thanks for the review on the shifter, I was looking at ordering one until I noticed the price increase in the latest Geno's catalog. But after reading your comments I still might. My question is about the installation. A while back there were a few members that said their kit leaked oil out of the top. How does it seal up? Was it easy to install? Maybe it was a shoddy install on their part... I don't know. Thanks for any info.



Bert

 

[Fireman]

Bert,



The install isn't bad. It comes with good instructions. Some have had problems with leaks, I suspect that they were more like weeps than leaks. If you are careful you should be able to put it in with no leaks.



Once you see the product and the processes used to make it you will understand why they are a bit pricey.



Fireman

 

[Dean Upson]

Bert,

I agree with Fireman. I do not see how the unit would leak if the RTV is applied correctly on both sides of the provided spacer as per the instructions.

The parts provided are very well made, imo, and that would the price. They must be pretty popular, because Geno's had them on back-order for quite a while. I always liked the six-speed, but it is a whole lot more fun to drive now.



Dean

 

[KBertetto]

Dean, Fireman,



Thanks for the info fellas, you've convinced me to order one despite the price increase. I'm sure once I get it I'll be more than happy and won't care about the money. Thanks again.



Bert

 

[bighammer]

Mine leaked. (after the 3rd time it came out for a bit ) The problem was the order of things. The directions (or my interpretation of them) had the aluminum shim plate going on top of the (stock) rubber isolator plate with the plastic shift tower/cover on top.



The last (and still successfull) install was with the aluminum plate directly on top of the trans case. (it took some gentle prying to get the rubber part off)

 

[johnrv4]

I can understand why it might leak.

I can understand why yours could have leaked Pete. I can also see why moving the rubber isolator would solve the leak. When I did the install on my '01, The plastic shift tower that holds the short-shifter was warped about . 040". The bolts pulling down on the shift tower, and the rubber pushing up between the bolts warps the shift tower. I installed mine like the instructions said, but first I took the plastic shift tower to a belt sander and made if flat again. So far, no leaks on the first install. I think that installing it (the way you did Pete) might be an easier solution.

 

[Dean Upson]

Originally posted by bighammer

Mine leaked. (after the 3rd time it came out for a bit ) The problem was the order of things. The directions (or my interpretation of them) had the aluminum shim plate going on top of the (stock) rubber isolator plate with the plastic shift tower/cover on top.



The last (and still successfull) install was with the aluminum plate directly on top of the trans case. (it took some gentle prying to get the rubber part off)

Pete,



My instructions said to (after applying RTV to both sides of the aluminum spacer) place the rubber isolator, metal side down, on top of the aluminum spacer.



I notice that the instructions are dated March 04. Perhaps there was a revision to make the instructions clearer. Maybe that is why the price jumped a bit .



Dean

 

[bighammer]

Originally posted by Dean Upson

Pete,



My instructions said to (after applying RTV to both sides of the aluminum spacer) place the rubber isolator, metal side down, on top of the aluminum spacer.



I notice that the instructions are dated March 04. Perhaps there was a revision to make the instructions clearer. Maybe that is why the price jumped a bit .



Dean

Could be. I remember the kit came with longer bushings. (toss the stock ones and put the new longer ones thru the plastic top and AL spacer)



I can't remember if I used the short stock ones or drilled thru the rubber part and used the long ones.



I sure like it though. Oo. It's especially nice now that I've bent the stick a bit back and closer to me.

 

[Jeremiah]

Whip it!

Originally posted by Dean Upson

The price just went up. For what it's worth, I'm not sorry I spent the money for it.



Dean

Now go get the Whiplash bent shaft to go with the short-shifter and you'll really be livin'!



BTW, I know you said you had enough power running stock, and that's true, but the EZ really woke up my truck! That's not to say it was lethargic before (it wasn't), but the EZ provides 100 hp to the rear wheels (set internally on the so-called "secret" level 5).



What I like most of all is the instant throttle response. I touch the go-pedal and the power's there - no spool-up time noticed. Can't speak for the other mods out there (TST, etc. ) but the EZ turned my truck into all the animal I need. Plus, no code problems, etc.

 

[HDerrick]

I also put in BD short shifter into my CTD recently. Made driving much better especially in the bigger cities with all that extra traffic. Highly recommended kit!

 

[Jeremiah]

BD short-shifter

What's funny is how quick you get used to the short shifter! Only takes a few shifts and it comes naturally. Only time you notice the difference afterward is when you go back to a regular shifter and wonder why the "throw" is so long and it takes so much effort to row from gear to gear.

 

[APersondek]

question for everyone who has the kit installed on their truck:



has the dealer said anything when you took the truck in for service or warranty work? is this one of those mods where you become your own warranty station?

 

[Fireman]

The service techs haven't noticed. I wouldn't think it would void your warranty unless it was something directly related to the shifter.



Fireman

 

[Jeremiah]

Strokin' the service writers

Service techs haven't said a word. They even retightened the Whiplash when it got loose. But a word of advice: get real friendly with these guys and gals. Bring 'em donuts when you visit and get to know 'em on a first name basis. Stop by and say hello sometime when you don't need anything. You'd be surprised what this will get you down the line.



Better yet ... help them remember you by setting yourself apart from the crowd. I bring my two Portuguese water dogs with me wherever I go. They sit in waiting room chairs just like regular customers. As a result, the service writers know them by name and look forward to their visit. My truck and I reap the reward!

 

[APersondek]

Does anyone have any pics of the short shifter kit installed in their truck..... I am really on fence with this one... . I am thinking I really want one..... but I am afraid of it leaking afterward or the install not going smoothly