HOWTO: Install a B&M Shifter in a 00-05 J-Body
Written by Wild Weasel
This is based on the instructions provided by B&M and supplemented
with my pictures and experiences.
Original B&M Diagrams
Disassembly
Step 1:
Carefully unclip the shift boot from the center console. I find it easiest to push
slightly forward and up on the bracket from the back until the rear clips come loose.
Then you can squeeze the sides to pop them loose and just lift it back and off.
Undo the snaps to lift it over the shift knob.
Step 2
Remove the center console from the car. To do this, first pop off the small screw cap
in the tray at the front using a small flat screwdriver. Then lift off the piece with
the power window switches on it. It just pulls right off. You can then unclip the
switch module from the trim piece and just place them down in the opening. If you
don't have power windows, you will have a small tray where they switches would be.
Just pull it up to remove it.
Now there are 4 bolts to remove. These are all 9 mm. Two are in the compartment under
the arm rest, one is under the cap you removed in the front tray, and one is under the
part you removed from the middle. With those 4 bolts removed, you can now lift the
console up and off. Ensure the e-brake handle is pulled up and start lifting the
console from the back. Work the e-brake boot up over the handle as you lift the whole
console over it.
Step 3
Use a permanent marker to mark both cables at the point where they connect with the cable
ends. This will allow you to reconnect them in the same position later.
Disconnect the fore-aft and side-to-side shift cables from the shifter base by pulling up
on them. Then disconnect the cables from the cable ends by carefully popping up the tabs
on the ends of the connectors and lifting them up. This image shows how little they have
to pop up in order to release the cable. Do not try to force them any higher or they may
break. Be very gentle with these. If you break these, you'll need to replace them with
new ones.
Step 4
Using a 13mm socket, extension and drive, remove the mounting nuts and lift the shifter
assembly out of the car.
Step 5
Remove the shift knob and lock-out sleeve from the shift stick. It may be necessary to
destroy the knob on some models. There are instructions for this here:
HowTo: Change Your 00-04 Manual Shift Knob.
Step 6
Remove the fore-aft cable end from the bottom of the shift stick. This just pops right off,
though you may have to tug on it a bit.
Step 7
Remove the side-to-side pivot pin by pushing in the slotted end through the base. Don't worry about
breaking it since it's replaced by the aluminum piece included in the kit. Just crack off
the tabs and push it through the shifter base.
Step 8
From underneath the shifter assembly, using a long thin flat blade screwdriver, carefully
pry the three tabs of the plastic shift stick retainer toward the center of the base while
pulling the retainer to disengage it from the base. Note: be very careful not to apply
too much force since the plastic parts of the shifter are easily damaged and can break.
Note the shape of the slots that the retainer is clipped into. Make sure it it turned
so the clips are positioned in the wider areas to remove it.
Step 9
Remove the upper o-ring and then pull the shift stick out of the base. Note that there is
also a lower o-ring. Save both these o-rings as they will be re-installed.
Step 10
Carefully disconnect the plastic main pivot housing from the shifter.
Installation
Step 11
Grease the main pivot of the B&M Short Throw Shifter and snap on the plastic main
pivot housing.
Step 12
Grease the nylon pivot cup of the B&M Short Throw Shifter
Step 13
Place the lower o-ring into the shift base and then insert the B&M Short Throw Shifter,
followed by the upper o-ring. Make sure that the nylon pivot cup engages into the
side-to-side actuating arm.
Step 14
Secure the shifter into the housing by snapping in the plastic shift stick retainer.
Step 15
Grease the supplied pivot pin and push it into the shifter base and secure it with
the supplied c-clip.
Step 16
Grease the lower ball of the shift stick and snap on the fore-aft cable end.
Step 17
Reinstall the shifter assembly into the car and secure with the original mounting nuts.
Step 18
Re-assemble the cables back into the shifter base and onto the cable ends using the
markings you made earlier as a guide.
Step 19
Temporarily install the shift knob and test entry into all gears with the clutch pedal
depressed. Apply a dab of grease to the plastic interference "step" that blocks entry
into reverse. Make sure each gear can be smoothly and fully engaged before proceeding.
It may be necessary to re-adjust the cables. Remove knob.
Step 20
Replace the center console in the reverse order it was removed.
Step 21
Re-install the shift boot by hooking in the front clip and then snapping down the rest.
Close the snaps over the appropriate spot on the reverse lock-out sleeve.
Step 22
Install the rubber washer over the threads of the shift stick and into the reverse
lock-out sleeve. Then place the supplied spring on top of the washer.
Step 23
Screw the knob onto the exposed threads. Then install the supplied o-ring onto the
knob insert and press the insert into the top of the shift knob, ensuring the B&M
logo is properly positioned.
Step 24
Once again test the movement of the shifter into all gears ensuring there is no binding,
rough or awkward movement. Do not operate the vehicle until each gear can be smoothly
and fully engaged.
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