problems w/ kartboy short throw shifter install
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problems w/ kartboy short throw shifter install
Looking for some suggestions...
After studying the instructions posted on this site, I've been trying all day to install the Kartboy short throw shifter into my '03 WRX--no luck so far! I've been using a 16oz plastic mallet, but also tried a 2lb metal hammer w/ towel wrap, as well as leaning as much of my 150lb body as possible on top of it! Also tried putting a 1/5" metal plate w/ a hole in it around the shifter so I could pound away with that hammer and not worry about missing and tagging a finger, but even that hasn't worked! I even lifted up the rubber layer and wedged a metal nut between the underside of the socket bracket and the top of the transmission body to eliminate downward movement when I push the shift rod into the hole. So far no luck--I'm starting to wear a line around the circumfrence of the ball, but it's not even at the halfway point which means I've still got another 1-2mm to go before I even have a chance at popping it in. Very frustrated right now!
Anyone w/ experience on this install got any tips or pointers for what I'm doing wrong? Do I need to get a heavier rubber/plastic mallet? Or am I just not strong/heavy enough to get that thing in there? I tried replacing the stock shifter just to see if it was any easier, and that seemed hard too!
After studying the instructions posted on this site, I've been trying all day to install the Kartboy short throw shifter into my '03 WRX--no luck so far! I've been using a 16oz plastic mallet, but also tried a 2lb metal hammer w/ towel wrap, as well as leaning as much of my 150lb body as possible on top of it! Also tried putting a 1/5" metal plate w/ a hole in it around the shifter so I could pound away with that hammer and not worry about missing and tagging a finger, but even that hasn't worked! I even lifted up the rubber layer and wedged a metal nut between the underside of the socket bracket and the top of the transmission body to eliminate downward movement when I push the shift rod into the hole. So far no luck--I'm starting to wear a line around the circumfrence of the ball, but it's not even at the halfway point which means I've still got another 1-2mm to go before I even have a chance at popping it in. Very frustrated right now!
Anyone w/ experience on this install got any tips or pointers for what I'm doing wrong? Do I need to get a heavier rubber/plastic mallet? Or am I just not strong/heavy enough to get that thing in there? I tried replacing the stock shifter just to see if it was any easier, and that seemed hard too!
I had the same problem when I installed the Kartboy Shifter in my 04 wrx. My bro and I tried for over an hour to get the ball in the socket. We finally got the shifter in by using a a piece of 2x4 and a rubber mallet and give it a few hard shots. Getting the stock bushing removed was a pain in the *** too.
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iTrader: (12)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,369
From: Reno, NV
Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red
Get a bigger rubber mallet, put the block of wood on it, and hammer it like you are driving a railroad spike. I actually ended up doin mine by sticking my leg into the car and swinging my shoe down on it from sunroof high. 
Worked on the second swing.
Worked on the second swing.
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iTrader: (4)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,341
From: your friendly neighborhood hairpin
Car Info: '03 PSM Sedan
i'm going to add another 'hit it with a bigger hammer' recomendation. mine was a pain to get seated, and i basically just hammered on the damn thing for an hour before it got seated. just find the biggest (preferably deadblow) hammer you can fit into the car, and hit it with that.
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,801
From: my home is Portland but I'm @ School in Seattle
Car Info: 1998 Subaru Legacy L 5-speed
Me and iseerings are the two amatures he speaks of. Heres how we got it in. Put on your shift **** and get a screwdriver. I pushed down my back against the roof and hands on the ****. iseerings had the screwdriver through the hole and helped w/ some pressure. You could prolly do it w/ the shiftknob on yourself. Just push down as hard as you can straight down on the ****. I did it and I weigh just 140 and am a lil on the skinny side. Good luck, you'll need it. I'd steer clear of the hammer route you can damage the shifter. Any more q's just post or feel free to email me.