TWM short shifter installation HELP, please!!!

[funboy102]

sup there SG, so I decided to go buy the TWM short shifter like everyone here suggested. It looks short and nice when it came in the mail. So I decided to go install it today, but ran into two problem which halted the installation process. I need your guys help pleaseeeee. The first problem is that I can't seem to remove the bottom most joint. How do you guys do this? IT's the lowest ball joint that connect the shifter to the front and back motion. It seems as though I need to remove the side console, but this seems impossible, anyone have any suggestion? Secondly, even after I get that removed, I noticed that the plastic cap on top that snaps open so you can take out the stick, it only opens like a door. You can't take off the cap completely. If this is the case, how am I even suppose to take out the stick? I need help please, I really want to get this shifter on, thanks for you guys help.

Just in case it matters, it's a 99 Solara SE V6 (1MZ-FE) 5-Speed, thanks

Henry C

[funboy102]

help please, come on guys, I know you've done this before and i'm sure you guys know what to do... you guys aren't telling me this is the forum where you need a pair of (.) (.) and a \./ to get help right?

[s15lara]

dude, i ran into the exact same problem. the way i did it was that i got a screwdriver and a hammer and lightly (not too light) tapped it on an angle so that it starts to slide out...now its not gonna come out too much just about a quarter of an inch. after that i got some wire cutters and made a small groove on the metal thing. all you have to do after that is just tug on it till it slides almost all the way out (till you can pretty much get it to open/slide off the shifter. i struggled so much that after i got it out i was jumping for joy and started . i think i might have done it the hard way, but it worked for me and i can say that i LOVE MY TWM SHORT SHIFTER!!!!

[DatSRBoi]

I unno. My install had no issues. Instruction was awesome and everything came off easily.

[s15lara]

you didnt struggle taking off the little hinged cap that hold the shifter down? that was a b!tch for me...

[funboy102]

hey s15lara, so how did you deal with the plastic cap hinge thingy? suggestions? and yeah, so DID you remove the plastic console surrounding the shifter to get access to the base? or was it possible to do without removing it?

datSRboi, check your PM

[s15lara]

i did it w/o removing it. at first i did consider it and was about to attempt it. but then i used the wire cutters to make a groove on the metal peice and then just slid it out. let me know if you still have probs. or maybe someone else can chime in and give you a better idea as to what to do. im pretty sure i did it the "ghetto" way. lol

[QuickSEV6]

I just ordered mine today. I've been wanting to get one for the longest time. I just finally got the money, so next weekend, I should be installing it. I can hardly wait.

[QuickSEV6]

I just got mine. I'll be installing it tonight.

The box it came in said "2003 and up Corolla". This made me concerned. I have an 2001 Solara.
When I opened the box, the paperwork says "1999-2003 Solara", so I know I'm ok.
It also came with two stickers. "TWMPerformance.com". There is no way I'd put that on my car, but I'll be more than happy to advertise for them on my toolbox at work. I already have a chrome Solara emblem and a two TRD stickers on it. It's starting to look like a racing toolbox.

[boneezy]

damn i dont even rmember how the heck i installed mine 5 yrs ago. good luck, i do know that the plastic piece is the biggest beeyotch of them all, taking out your stock shifter is a cinch. and it really helps if you take out your center console

[QuickSEV6]

I just finished installing mine.



What a pain in the nuts.

This job was designed for someone with small hands. I kept dropping a washer and had a hard time getting it out.
I had a heck of a time attaching the clip on the swing arm and aligning the spring was almost impossible.
The instructions say to insert a washer between the spring and plastic. Not gonna happen. Too much resistance to add a washer.

The whole job took me about two hours.

I am very pleased with the results. My car has a new personality. A much sportier feel, however the motion seems a bit difficult. Maybe it needs some break-in time? Moving from gear to gear seems a little more labor than before, but it is definately a shorter distance as well as the stick being two inches shorter as well.

[Midias]

A much sportier feel, however the motion seems a bit difficult. Maybe it needs some break-in time? Moving from gear to gear seems a little more labor than before, but it is definately a shorter distance as well as the stick being two inches shorter as well.

It is harder because the distance from the pivot point to the force on the end of the lever is shorter. You need to apply more force to make up for a shorter lever arm.

[QuickSEV6]

It is harder because the distance from the pivot point to the force on the end of the lever is shorter. You need to apply more force to make up for a shorter lever arm.

I was just thinking that as soon as I posted this. That makes sense. I love the new feel.

[funboy102]

hey quickseV6, how did you remove the pin that the top cap was hinging on? I got the BIG bolt out, but then it was attached on the other side still with a small pin. how'd you get that one out?

[QuickSEV6]

hey quickseV6, how did you remove the pin that the top cap was hinging on? I got the BIG bolt out, but then it was attached on the other side still with a small pin. how'd you get that one out?

First of all, you've had your short shifter for over a month and still not installed? Wow. I installed mine the same day I got it. If I were you, I'd be going nuts because I couldn't enjoy a new toy for a month.

Ok, on to important things. I'm sorry, I don't have the instructions in front of me, but I'll do my best.

The pin you are talking about is a roll pin. That is to say that it is round and sprung to naturally enlage its size (thats how it stays in place, by gripping the side walls). Here is what you do, use either a punch or a phillips head screw driver. Something round. Don't use a flat head, that will cause damage. Use it as a punch. Gently tap with a small hammer so that about a quarter inch of the pin is exposed on the other side. With a pair of needlenose pliers, gently comress the roll pin (carefull not to crush) and simultaniousely rotate and pull pin. Repeate until its out. You'll only be able to pull about a quarter inch each time. Don't rush it. It will come out.
Another thing I had a big problem with. when installing new shifter, instructions say use a 14 mm socket to attatch locking ring and tap with a hammer. *NOT A CHANCE OF THIS HAPPENING*. Let me give you a little advice. Use a 10 mm socket and no hammer. Use an 18" channel lock pliers to squeeze it into place. I struggled with that step for 45 minutes before I tried it like that. It was easy, once I figured that out.
Anymore questions, feel free to ask. I hope I helped and good luck.

-Quick