This article will cover how to install
the Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter for T-5 T-45 transmission. I installed this on my
1996 V6. I am pretty sure all models from 1994-2003 are the same, make sure
you are buying the right thing. I am not a mechanic and have no qualifications.
I am just a do-it-yourselfer and am not responsible for any problems you may
have with the install. PROCEED AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Okay, you have your shifter out of the box and have checked it for all the necessary
hardware which will be the shifter and the shifter handle with the necessary
nuts, bolts, washers etc…
So, now that you have all that it is
time to start the install. I recommend having a three hour time where you can
do this if you are not experienced with this. It took me about 45 minutes to
an hour.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED:
-Steeda Tri-Ax short throw shifter.
-Socket and ratchet set with an extension and suggested breaker bar.
-High-temp gasket maker.
-Chisel
-Paper towels.
-Screwdriver with cloth to go on the head.
Steps:
1. Unscrew the knob from the factory handle as shown in the picture.
2. Lift off the factory boot by either
using a screw driver with a cloth on the end to avoid scratching, or using your
fingers, either way will work.
Unplug the connection
3. Once you have the connection undone,
it is time to take off the shifter bolts. The size for the screws on mine were
8mm, they may be different on yours.
4. Remove the old handle before you
start to take out the old shifter, it just gets in the way. To remove the factory
shifter you need to undo the 4 screws shown here, mine were on tight, so I used
an extension and a breaker bar and they came off easy. Next thing you must do
to remove the factory shifter is to either pry if off with a pry bar if the
old gasket is strong, or in my case just wiggle the factory shifter around and
it will pop right off because my gasket was not too strong.
5. You should be looking at something
like this except with the old gasket on it. Make sure that the plastic thing
as indicated by the arrow is there, that is very important.
Now to remove the old gasket first
fill the transmission area with paper towels as to not get the old gasket in
it. Get a chisel and very carefully scrape away the old gasket, trying not to
scratch the metal. When done, it will look like the above picture.
6. With the old gasket removed, you
need to align the new shifter with everything. First insert the ball at the
end of the new shifter into the area with the plastic piece you saved, now line
up the screw holes. Once everything is aligned you can use the gasket maker
to make a new gasket. When you do this, make sure it is a consistent bead going
all the way around with no gaps and it also is surrounding the screw holes as
well. The new gasket should be air tight. When that is done place the new shifter
on and insert the bolts, you have a few seconds to readjust everything, just
do not remove the new shifter once you have placed it on the new gasket. Tighten
the new bolts down really tight with an extension and breaker bar just like
you took off the factory ones. Now take the washer they give you and before
bolting on the new handle, slide it down on the shaft as the given directions
say.
7. Now you need to adjust the stop
bolts. I will not go into detail because the directions given with the kid are
more than enough. But here are what mine look like. VERY IMPORTANT is to tighten
both bolts so they do not move around on you.
8. Now that the stop bolts are properly
done, reinstall everything factory except for the small rubber boot they give
you. You will also need to widen the factory boot that slips over the handle
to accommodate the threads. You can use your factory knob but any knob made
by Steeda or any other that will fit the factory threads will do.
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