I recently purchased a short shifter and installed it on my 01 Tib. The installation went great and it shifts great, although there seems to be a lot of play in the outer gears (1st, 2nd and 5th) which I don't seem to remember with the factory shifter. The question I have is when I re-install the "return spring" is it only a matter of placing the left arm of the spring on the right side of the post and taking the right arm over that and placing it on the left side of the post...or...does the one arm of the spring need to cross-over it twice (a full rotation)? Just wondering if this spring isn't tight enough and this is what is causing there to be so much play when shifting to those gears and when it is actually in one of thos gears. Any and all help is appreciated.
btw - The short shifter I purchased is identical to the Megan one that's been discussed on this site.

 

Look at the DIY I have posted, it should look just like that.

The 2 parts of the spring should NOT be like this.

II

They should cross like this.

X

 

Thanks for the reply Redz. I looked at both of your shifter posting but the pictures don't show up in them. I actually have arms of the spring crossed but it still seems like their too loose. Just wondered if i should take the one arm completely around to tighten it up. When I too it off it shot right off of there, doesn't seem like there is that much tension there now.

 

well you helped me redz, i didnt know it was supposed to X.

I might just leave it with the play, ive had it like that soo long that i think i kinda like it lol. But then again i could make it "X" and if i dont like it then put it back.

 

Bump that thread back to the top and I'll post the pics again.


BTW guys, I'll be doing a Short Shifter Showdown in about 2 weeks, comparing the following shifters.

1. B&M (18 Wheeeellleeeerrrrr)
2. Rside Advanced
3. Megan
4. ARK


They will compete in the following areas.

1. Quality
2. Shift throw
3. Slop in neutral and in gear
4. Height
5. Knob feel and design

 

sweet, was planning to buy a short shifter pretty soon, think ill hold off on that till then smile.gif

 

Could be a good idea. ARK is sending me one next week, I should be able to do it next weekend.

 

Your just mad cuz the B&M ownz joo. wink1.gif

 

sounds like itll be a good contest. What about adding price to that? or at least include it when you write up the results

 

the megan looks exactly like the b&m, correct?

in my experience, as long as it's not vibrating like crazy and making a lot of noise while you're driving, that slop is okay. if it's extremely sloppy, measure the amount of play you have when you're in gear. FI: put it in first, then move it to one far end then the other and if you have more than 1.5" or so of play at the base of your shifter, re-install your stock, measure the same and see if it's more than a 20% in play. if it is, most likely you installed it incorrectly.

i'd come over and show you, but at the moment i'm about 5k miles away from anywhere. smile.gif