Help Short shift installation problem
 

I'm currently replacing my old shifter with the new short shifter and realized the shifter fork is different. The new one is shaped like a polygon and the old one rectangle. I installed the new one with the pointy end up. It seems like the throws are the same though. Doesn't seem like I just shortened my throws by 35 percent. There are no pics or instructions showing this style fork. Does anyone know?

If you are talking about the factory short shift kit, I just finished that change out. What you described sounds right as I remember. Have you completed the new install and are now saying the shift throw does not seem shorter?

The factory short shifter (M241) shortens the throws approx. 25% over the standard factory-issue shifter ('73-'85). However, in '85-'86, the factory provided what is known as a semi-short shifter. The revised shifter geometry provides an approximate reduction by 10%. Thus, using the factory short shift kit only provides another 15% over the earlier shifters. That's why it doesn't seem like a whole lot of change.

IMHO, 25% is enough. I would not opt for more reduction. The aftermarket Weltmeister short shifter does provide about a 39% reduction over stock, but what you gain in throw reduction, you also must give up in leverage since the fulcrum point (pivot) is modified. In addition, the WM shift lever is also shorter, contributing to the loss in leverage.

The result is a more "notchy" feel. Some don't mind, some find it intolerable. YMMV.

Sherwood

Thanks for the info...It certainly shifts better now even after replacing the bushings a couple of months ago. I drove several miles without grinding gears as before. It looks like if I flipped the pivot fork I would have more throw making it a shorted shift. Is this possible?

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1236403537.jpg

I believe that will have the opposite effect from what you are looking for. Plus, the pin holding the shift lever to the fork needs to engage the springs (for the reverse and 5th lockout) - I am thinking if you turn the fork upsdie down, you will not be able to engage those springs correctly.

In addition:
The ball end of the lever and the ball end socket on the shift tube must meet in harmony when installed, otherwise the shift mechanism will bind. Flipping the "box" upside down from the position shown will move the lever downward relative to the housing. If an attempt is made to install the shift housing, the ball end will bottom out on the shift tube socket and create a mysterious 12mm gap between the housing and the tunnel.

The more adventuresome DIYer will take this opportunity to draw the housing flush with the tunnel using the mounting bolts and lots of torque. If something doesn't break, the shift mechanism will jam in place.

Sherwood