How to install TRD quickshifter Options

[Quidam]

Hi guys.

OK, I've taken delivery of my new TRD quickshifter, so need to install it. I'd like to do it myself but I'm basically a rank noob at DIY

So I guess a good starting question is what tools might I need

If anyone can provide a bit of a walkthrough (or point me to one) that would be appreciated

Cheers!
b

[Quidam]

Fitted

Just got back from a test-drive and everything seems a-ok. I don't think it will take long for me to get used to it, and for sure, you find the gears a lot faster with this stick, there is simply less physical movement involved. I had one weird moment where I thought I was in 1st but was in 3rd, and I think it's just because the movements are so small now it is perhaps a bit easier to misjudge.

So this was my first mod, and I'm glad I did it myself! In fact in hindsight I'd say this is the sort of job where you are likely to do a better job of it than some mechanic who really doesn't care about your car.

Didn't go entirely smoothly, first headache was when I was disconnecting the left side cable off the original shifter assembly and the little metal clip that keeps it in place sprung off the stud and disappeared into thin air. After swearing loudly my gut instinct told me it had lodged itself under the passengers side carpet, because that is exactly where I would put it if I were Murphy's Law. So I took the passengers seat out (pleasantly surprised to find how easy that was) and was kind of shocked at all the dust and crap under it. I therefore figured the drivers side was likely to be even worse so took that seat out as well. Anyway, my assumption about Murphy was spot on, and the clip was exactly where I thought it would be -relieved to find it! Cleaned up the mess with my mini-vac.

I also got very annoyed with the metal horse-shoes that hold the cables in place on the shifter assembly. I used pliers, but it was kind of awkward getting the right angle to apply leverage. I could feel myself getting red in the face with frustration as I battled with them. Finally I got my technique sorted out and off they came.

Interestingly, I didn't find what was supposed to be the hardest part very difficult. The center cable that fits to the bottom of the gear lever via a ball and socket connection came off pretty quickly. I'll admit getting it back on took a bit longer, but was still not too bad.

Apart from the metal horse shoes (which I hope I never have to deal with again) I did find getting the original shifter assembly out of the chassis a pain in the butt as well (Strangely getting the new assembly in was a lot easier, but I still had to play twister with it) I simply did not want to cut the plastic. So instead I removed the heater/air con unit and face plate. With the seats out as well, I was able to get in very good position to wiggle the unit out, but it took a bit of twisting and turning!

My advise to anyone else doing this, would be to take the seats out. I kind of wish I'd done that right from the start. You have more room to work and you may as well give the interior a bit of clean while you doing a job like this anyway.

ps. While doing this work I found a Japanese coin under one of the seats lol. Been there a long time no doubt.

pps. what are the cables for under the seats that connect ot the seat itself?!? On the passengers side it looked like the cable had been cut off. The drivers side cable was still complete..

OK, stand by and I'll post some pics

This post has been edited by Quidam: Dec 27, 2009 - 4:33 AM