DIY: B&M Short Throw Shifter install (All 5MT subarus!!)

[chuckthefuk]

Hello SLi,

I picked up a B&M short throw shifter including front/rear bushings. I installed it a few weeks ago and decided to post a few pictures for those who are wondering about this kit.

With the front / rear bushings the "neutral wobble" is 95% gone there still some play but overall very nice.

B&M Short Throw Shifter
PART # MAKE/MODEL
45150 96-03 SUBARU IMPREZA
45150 96-03 SUBARU LEGACY
45150 01-06 SUBARU WRX 5-SPEED

Shifter fits the above.

My kit came with the bushings so I am going to assume that all kits will come with them now.

Cost: $190 CAN including tax local pickup brand new
http://www.jrponline.com

Shifter Side-by-side
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/4269/sidebysidefo3.jpg

OLD REAR BUSHING
http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/1043/oldrearmountsg8.jpg

Thats a KartBoy bushing but its identical to the B&M
http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop/images/kbrearshifterbushingmain.jpg


The front bushing wasn't in bad shape but I replaced them with the B&M that came with the kit..

This is also a Kartboy bushing but identical to B&M (i am just using this for reference)

http://www.rallysportdirect.com/shop/images/kartboybushing.jpg


Now the whole process wasn't to bad except for the fact that the B&M kit did not come with a shifter retaining clip!!!!!!!!!!

It comes with everything else but not something that costs 10 cents!!


http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/2825/shifterclipbq9.jpg




This is do-it-yourself if you have the right tools. This job was pretty easy since we were using a hoist but it is 100% possible to do this in your garage.

When you purchase the B&M kit it gives you a pretty decent description step-by-step of what to do.

Summary:

Remove center console

Remove bracket holding dust boot (6 screws)

Unscrew the shift knob

Un-bolt the upper linkage from the shifter

Drop Exhaust

Drop the exhaust shield

Drop the mid drive shaft support (optional for more room)

Un-bolt lower linkage from shifter

Remove retaining ring clip w/ proper puller tool

Pull out rear shifter linkage from the rear shifter mount

Remove the rear shifter mount

Remove the front shifter mount from the linkage (push it out w/ end of hammer)

Replace front shifter mount (push it in with your fingers left/right bushing)

Replace rear shifter mount

Remove the shifter

Replace the shifter w/ new grease

Reconnect everything

The only thing that seemed strange was the metal bracket holding the dust boot had to be installed backwards and only 4 screws can be used.

Theres a few little steps I didn't mention but the step-by-step w/ the kit will explain.

Heres also the legacy guide for a 97' I am sure its the same as 95-99.

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/9544/assemblymq1.jpg

http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/6026/43366151eh4.jpg
http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/945/62675652xb4.jpg
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/3109/49868676ws7.jpg
http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3808/97641773il8.jpg
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/3148/59838905ie9.jpg

Final thought.

Its night and day! The shifts are 70% shorter IMO and there is 5% play with the shifter while in gear no wobble no nothing!

You can't beat the quality of the product!

Anyways till next time SLi

- Chuck[/img]

[rougeben83]

how's the gear noise? some of the other SS' I have used had a lot more gear noise (kartboy was ok though).

How shorter is the lever than stock? From the pic, it looks to be about the same lever height.

[chuckthefuk]

how's the gear noise? some of the other SS' I have used had a lot more gear noise (kartboy was ok though).

How shorter is the lever than stock? From the pic, it looks to be about the same lever height.

I have not noticed any increase in gear noise.. Although I do notice a more aggressive gear engaging when I slide the shifter into gear.

If you notice the side by side shot you'll notice that the shaft for the upper linkage is not side by side. just use your eyes and imagine the shifters side by side from the shaft location..

Its about 3" shorter if not more.

I am still using the stock knob and it feels very short.

I'll put it to you this way, when I am in 5th I do not hit the passengers leg anymore :-D

[AkumaMax]

probibly because the shifts are shrter and the rear of the metal frame is wider. Any great info everything I needed to know. I have a shift that wiggles very bad in gear. It's like as if I was in nutral. I think that this will be a perfect upgrade for me. BTW how much did everything cost you.

[datdookie]

Sorry to bring a dead thread up and to ask a noob question, but is that short shifter compatible with the 95 legacy L wagon?

[Huffer]

Sorry to bring a dead thread up and to ask a noob question, but is that short shifter compatible with the 95 legacy L wagon?

It depends. Some of the 95s are, some aren't. You have to compare what you have vs what's out there.

[Wangan Wagon]

My humblest apologies for this, but I need help. I'm trying to install my B&M shifter, but the ball on the end is smaller than stock. Thing is I drive a 96, so it should work. Any ideas?

[Mr Evolution]

I would call B&M and let them know your situation.

[Reason]

Anybody have part #'s on 17 and 9?

https://sl-i.net/FORUM/

[datdookie]

ha, i need 17, wander how much it'le cost me

[chuckthefuk]

17 is a common spring that rusts out and breaks... You looking at $5 at the dealer.

-Chuck

[datdookie]

coool, i hope so because the dealers been raping me on cash ill go check today right now! thanks

[boxingfanatic]

would installing this short shifter eliminate wobble? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DNA-1996 ... ccessories (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DNA-1996-1997-1998-1999-SUBARU-LEGACY-M-T-SHORT-SHIFTER-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2c54894d73QQitemZ190396845427QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories)

or i have to get those 2 bushings only? or both>> thanks

[jaredc]

If you want to avoid the dealer at all costs (my "local" dealer is awful) Ive posted a picture here with the measurements for Spring #17.

http://i1045.photobucket.com/albums/b455/diablofedora/Legacy%20STuff/ShifterReturnSpring.png

You should be able to find something very similar at a hardware store (Ace, True Value, Lowes, Home Depot), they all sell loose springs in the hardware section. keep in mind this spring is fairly strong, i have a hard time pulling on it with my fingers.

[chuckthefuk]

Oh snap! Time for a coating of zinc for some rust prevention

-Chuck

[jaredc]

good idear, I'll hit it with some before I put it back in there.

[datdookie]

well i went off to check with the dealer anyways, was fairly cheap at my suprize

[AWDSOME]

i am guessing you installed this yourself?
if not, how much was labour?

[datdookie]

haha, yeah installed it myself and its super easy