Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Short Shifter opinions

[BManuel]

Is the short shifter worth the money? I'm thing about it. Also, is it easy to install without special tools?

 

[GCULP]

I bought one, installed it in about 45 minutes, didn't like it and sent it back, then realized I had installed it incorrectly, I had the spring loaded plates on top of the pivot ball upside down and it made if feel all wobbly, other than that I wasn't overly impressed with it. Also, if your truck is rough shifting already, it will amplify it. There are plenty of other places to spend the money.

 

[darkhorse]

Is the short shifter worth the money? I'm thing about it. Also, is it easy to install without special tools?

I loved mine. If you think your transmission shift hard you probably won't like it , but if you think you have a smooth shifting transmission you may just like it better with the short shifter. All that said, they do seem a little high priced.

 

[CGlickert]

i also love mine.



C Glickert

 

[HookMeUp]

How about a different shifter lever. You know like the older trucks with the offset bends in it to bring it closer to the driver.

 

[Highfinance97]

i bought one and it didnt work so i made one http://tdr1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148196

 

[kiwi bird]

I got one of the 1st ones, had it now for about 30,000 miles. I like it and have no issues with shifting but my transmission has always been a smooth shifter. It takes a little more technique to shift but I like the position better as it clears the cup holder a little better.

 

[EGaskamp]

That would be cool to have the shifter closer, but why are they so pricey???? It really doesn't look like it should be.



Eric

 

[JSellers]

... . but why are they so pricey???? It really doesn't look like it should be.



Eric

You're right, Eric - it SHOULDN'T be so pricey. It's only a different shifter rod, a spacer, and a few bolts, right?



However, the bend angles and positioning of the pivot point on that rod are critical. The first Short Shift kit I installed had an incorrect bend in the rod, and the shift lever ended up jammed against the seat. I could still drive the truck, but had to lift the center seat back in order to reach the shift knob. BD replaced it, but made me buy another kit first. I asked them to replace the kit, while I left the original installed - since I only wanted to make the re-install once. They said they would replace it, but I would have to buy the second kit, then they would refund the original purchase when I shipped the first one back.



Still, I'm happy with the shifter. Like some have already said, the kit increases the needed leverage to shift. So, if you don't want to use extra force for shifting, this kit may not be for you. But I like the reduced throw this kit affords.



Whatever the market will bear, right? That's why it costs so much.



Hope this helps,

John

 

[EGaskamp]

Yeah, The bends in that rod are critical. I know I couldn't make one. I guess thats why they're in the business of making it and making money and I'm not! I would really like to have one for the shortened throws and having the shifter closer to me, but my transmission already shifts hard as it is (I will never take my transmission back to that transmission shop again!) and I'm afraid it will be to hard to shift, from what I hear. Thanks for the reply.



Eric