xB2 Short shifter D.I.Y. By: The_Butcher

[The_Butcher]

Hey everyone. it's time for yet another D.I.Y. form yours truly. I just purchased a 5speed short shifter from a fellow xBforum member, TrevorS
here's the thread: http://www.scionxbforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166&highlight=guys

this short shifter replaces the actual shifter housing inside the cabin.

I don't have the part just yet.. it's in route. stay tuned for the pics and EASY (maybe) step by step instructions.

:)

BTW- If you like this install and want to get one for yourself email Trevor at boxstuf@verizon.net (malczeck@verizon.net)please make sure to tell him that I sent you. use either: The_Butcher or Andrew Snell.. Thanks :)

-Andrew

[The_Butcher]

2008-2011 xB 5spd Short Throw Shifter

Product by: Trevor
DIY By: Andrew A.K.A. The_Butcher



Tools needed:

1: 12mm deep socket
2: Philips head screwdriver
3: ratchet with 3” extension
4: broad tip standard (flat blade) screwdriver
5: rags for grease cleanup (you’re gonna get some on your hands)
6: 3.0 or 4.0 allen wrench ( I forgot to write down which one it was)

PRE INSTALL TIPS:



Install should take under an hour depending on your level of experience. If you can replace your stereo and change your tires then this should be a breeze. Specialty tools are a plus but not necessary. I did it in 30 minutes. (minus picture taking)
As with ANY project where you will be removing screws, nuts and bolts have a few containers handy for fastener and clip storage.
I did it the “shade tree mechanic” way so every one can follow along.


PRE INSTALL CHECKS:



~*Make sure your parking break (E-break) is set*~ THIS IS A MUST!
Make sure your car is on a flat level surface, if not accessible use wheel chalks (something to place behind the wheel to prevent rolling)
Now you are ready to begin the install.


STEP 1: Remove shift knob


Remove the shift knob. just grab a hold and unscrew it.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8198.jpg
http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8207.jpg


STEP 2: Release shift boot retainer ring


Locate the white ring holding the shift boot to the shaft.



Insert the broad tip standard screwdriver into the slit of the ring and gently twist. this will separate the ring from the shaft.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8208-1.jpg



Gently lift the ring up shifter shaft but not completely off. this will help make sure that you don’t accidentally put a hole in the boot.



STEP 3: Remove the shifter bezel.
*NOTE* DO NOT use tools for this step.


Using your fingertips, grip the bottom of the shift bezel and firmly but gently and slowly pull upward. there are a total of 4 clips holding the bezel in place.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8215.jpg



Disconnect the hazard light plug (squeeze latch)

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8218.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8216-1.jpg



STEP 4: Remove shifter console.


Locate the side panels in both driver and passenger side foot wells. They have guides that slide into openings. remove these panels (1 on each side).

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8227-1.jpg
http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8229.jpg



Locate and remove the 2 screws at top left and right.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8219-1.jpg




Unplug the 12v power outlet at the bottom right (squeeze latch again).

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8241-1.jpg




Firmly pull the console back towards you. there are 3 clips on each side holding the console in place.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8230-1.jpg




After all wires have been disconnected from the console it is free to remove.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8244.jpg



STEP 5: Locate and remove shift cables from top of housing.


There are 2 cables that connect to the shifter housing. One on the driver’s side and one right in back.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8246-1.jpg



1st the one on the driver’s side: This is where the rags come in handy.
You should notice 2 little wire like ends holding this clip in place.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8252.jpg



Using a standard screwdriver insert between the clip and slowly twist. the metal clip should separate and the end moving towards the middle.
Pull the cable away from the shifter housing.

2nd cable:

You should notice that this cable connector is different than the 1st one.


http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8256.jpg



for this clip use a standard screwdriver or your fingers and separate the ends of the clip outwards.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8250.jpg




pull the cable away from the housing.



STEP 6: removing shift cables from bottom of housing.


follow the cables down to the bottom of the shifter housing.
you should notice a white colored plastic retainer clip.


http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8258.jpg




using your fingers pull this retainer clip out. You might have to use some force. DO NOT use a screwdriver. this could damage or break the clip. *If you are having trouble with the clip using a pair of small pliers might work.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8260-1.jpg

repeat this step on the other cable.
Pull the cable away from the bottom of the housing. If you cannot do this by hand the use of a standard screwdriver will come in handy. Use the screw driver to pry the cable from the housing. *SEE PICTURE*

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8266-1.jpg


move the 2 shift cables to the side away from the housing.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8267.jpg




STEP 7: Unbolt housing from vehicle.


Locate the 4 12mm bolts holding the shifter housing to the vehicle.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8244-1.jpg




using the 12mm deep socket and ratchet loosen all 4 bolts before removing them.

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8254.jpg



Remove all 4 bolts.
Pull shift housing away from vehicle.
It should look like this now

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8269.jpg

[The_Butcher]

This next step is optional:

STEP 8: Remove return spring.



With the shift housing out of the car you can either use the return spring from your original housing or not.
I chose to install it cause I like the extra side to side resistance on the shifter.
The new short shifter does not require it and Trevor recommends not to use it.


http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8279.jpg






Using your finger pull the bottom arm of the spring down and then over the bump stop. *see picture*


http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8280-1.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8286-1.jpg






Next use the allen wrench and turn the white round retainer clip counter clockwise 90 degrees to remove the spring


http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8288.jpg



install the spring and clip onto the new shifter.



STEP 9: Install new shifter. basically reverse the steps.



Bolt in the new shifter housing. make sure it is tight but don’t over tighten them.
Reinstall the shifter cables by pushing the cables back into the bottom of the housing first.
Reinstall the white retainer clips on the bottom of the shifter cables.
Reconnect the cables at the top to the shifter. Just push them back on. they should click right on.



*At this time take a look at the install so far. Double check everything*




Reinstall the shifter console.
Connect the 12v power outlet wire
Replace the 2 screws at the top of the console.
Reinstall the 2 side foot well panels.
Connect the hazard button wire.
Reinstall the shifter bezel.
screw on shift knob.
take a step back and marvel at your handy work.



BEFORE YOU GO OUT AND DRIVE DO THE FOLLOWING:

Predrive checks.




Shift through ALL gears making sure nothing binds, rubs or anything else out of the ordinary.
Spend at least 5 minutes doing this.





Take a SHORT test drive. Don’t go out and start racing or driving erratically until you do a proper test drive.




I hope you enjoyed this DIY and if you are wanting to pick one of these short throws up then please contact Trevor at this email address: boxstuf@verizon.net Please let him know that I sent you. either Andrew, or The_Butcher. either name will work.

Thank you for talking the time to read this.

-Andrew




FINISHED PRODUCT:

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8293.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8294.jpg

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8302.jpg



Before and After:

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8294-1.jpg

[The_Butcher]

here's a shot of the stock and the modified side by side:

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss157/Meatcutter525/mods/short%20shifter/100_8277.jpg

[Ziggi]

Hey Hey! Very nice! I love your step by step too :-P

[Phobic]

so does this just shorten the staff or does it also shorten the throw?

[KiSS]

very nice how-to!

[The_Butcher]

ASH- thaks ;)

M@ - First off I love how you typed your name out .. that is epic..

now, it shortens the actual shaft, and in turn shortens the overall throw. maybe around 14%.

J-thank you dood..

*sticky?????**

[KiSS]

no, but ill move it to the DIY

[The_Butcher]

ok. thanks man.. :)

[TrevorS]

so does this just shorten the staff or does it also shorten the throw?
Reducing the shift lever height automatically shortens the throw, the two go together. Result is not only a reduction in fore/aft throw, but also in side-to-side throw. The short shifter assembly ships without the extra side-to-side return spring in order to keep the side-to-side resistance closer to stock. This works just fine because the manual transmission provides a robust center return all by itself.

[xBbabyy]

OH EM GEE!!! I want one!! :)

[The_Butcher]

SHY-


to pick one of these short throws up then please contact Trevor at this email address: boxstuf@verizon.net Please let him know that I sent you. either Andrew, or The_Butcher. either name will work.

you should get one.. you will love it!!

[TrevorS]

ASH- thaks ;)

M@ - First off I love how you typed your name out .. that is epic..

now, it shortens the actual shaft, and in turn shortens the overall throw. maybe around 14%.

J-thank you dood..

*sticky?????**
Actually, the overall throw (which includes side-to-side) is reduced by around 20% (roughly 14% for each of the two directions). This preserves the stock shift balance, while reducing throw and lowering the knob to a more comfortable position.

[TrevorS]

Actually, the overall throw (which includes side-to-side) is reduced by around 20% (roughly 14% for each of the two directions). This preserves the stock shift balance, while reducing throw and lowering the knob to a more comfortable position.
Oops -- scratch that 20%, as Andrew said, the total shift reduction is roughly 14%. Sorry about my slip :doh:!

[The_Butcher]

:rofl:

[mengsta]

Awesome write up Butcher. I commend you for taking your time and helping out fellow members on this board.

[LisaMP]

I just installed mine! Thanks to TrevorS for the part and The_Butcher for the write up

[The_Butcher]

thanks Tony. :up:

Lisa- you are welcome! :) how do you like it??

[TrevorS]

Last I heard, everything was great with the install and local driving, but she was looking forward to hitting the Autoban (Germany). However, I understand the weather has been a little problematic :(!

[The_Butcher]

noice.. AUTOBAN!!!! I WANNA DRIVE THAT!!!!

[LisaMP]

noice.. AUTOBAN!!!! I WANNA DRIVE THAT!!!!

Actually everything is going great, in the cities and on the autobahn...if I can install it, anyone can. Now I just need to send my original part back to Trevor