How to Install Shifter Stabilizer Bushings

If you need these parts you can buy them from us here:

B Series Engine Version

D Series Engine Version
 
One of the cheapest parts you can buy is also one of the most effective! The Energy Suspension Shifter Stabilizer Bushings are very effective in reducing any extra movement in your shifter. They're installed on the ends of the Shifter Holder so they can be used with any aftermarket shifter.

(D Series Kit Pictured)

Step One: Securing and Raising Up Your Car

About 95% of the installation is done under the vehicle so obviously you'll need to be able to get yourself under there comfortably and SAFELY. Make sure your Hand Brake is securely set. Also since a lot of the work is done in very close proximity to the exhaust you'll want to give you car plenty of time to cool down.

Do not EVER work under your car without Jack Stands! The stock jack is not safe for working underneath your car! The weight of the car can easily shift using that jack because of its' small footprint.

 

You'll want to jack your car up on both sides at the front for this install - enough to easily work under the length the car.

Step Two: Interior Prep Work

Remove the Shift Knob. You'll be removing the entire shifter assembly so you'll need the shifter to be able to move through the shift boot. It's suggested that you also remove your center console so that you can get to the water seal around the shifter base - but it's not required.

 

Step Three: Removing the Shifter Stabilizer

There are only a couple bolts holding the entire shifter stabilizer assembly to the vehicle - you'll need to remove them all. You'll also need to remove the shift linkage where it connects to the shifter assembly.

The Shift Linkage connects to the shifter holder here. You'll need to remove the bolt that runs through it.

The front of the shifter stabilizer connects at the left side of the transmission here. Take this bolt out

PLEASE NOTE. This piece on D Series Engines will not look the same as this picture - the piece at the arrow will be smaller but the removal is the same.

The Rear connects at the back of the shifter assembly under the center of the vehicle. It should be on the other side of the exhaust assembly:

Now that you've removed the above bolts you can pull it out. You may need to slip your hand up by the shifter to push off the water seal. Once you get it all out you'll have this:

 

Step Four: Removing the OEM Bushings.

There are 2 bushings you're replacing. The front and the rear. Their removal is fairly easy.

The front OEM bushing isn't very firm so it simply pulls / pushes out. If you have any trouble with it just use a pair of pliers and yank it out.

The last picture is of the OEM bushing (left) and the new Energy Suspension bushing (right)

The rear OEM bushing is even easier - it just slips off the end of the shifter stabilizer.

 

Step Five Installing the new bushings.

The install of the front bushing is not as simple as its' removal was. (B Series)

It's simplified by the use of a large bolt with washers on each end. Lube up the bushing with some grease or motor oil so it will slip in a little easier.

Secure the bushing next to its' install point as shown in the first picture. BE ABSOLUTELY SURE that you have the concave side of the new bushing aligned so that it will point out from the tranny when installed! Once you get this piece in you will not be able to easily remove it! Torque it down until one portion of the bushing is half out as shown in the second picture.

Please note - if you're installing the D Series version of this bushing the install is greatly simplified because the bushing is installed in 2 halves.
When you have built up a little pressure with the bolts use a flathead screwdriver like you would a shoe horn. If done correctly the bushing will pop into place as shown in the last picture!

(the white stuff on the bushing is grease I used to ease the install.)

Just as simple as the removal was - you just slip the new one on the end. Be sure it's "hump" on one side is facing down.

 

Step Six.

Now you're ready to install the shifter stabilizer assembly! The install is the reverse of Step Three. Just put it in - bolt it up - connect the shift linkage to the end of the shifter and you're done.

Please note that if you removed the center console you'll want to pull the water seal back over its' mounting ring.