Is installing a factory short shift kit easy?
 

I think of myself as a 2 little wrench guys out of 5 little wrench guys when looking at 101 Projects book but I have a short shift to put in and the book says 3 little wrench guys. Seems fairly straight forward, any other novices do this? Should i give it a shot or have my mech do it?

yes, it's easy - you can do it

blueprint your shifter using Sherwood's directions too

Pretty easy if you have directions.

its very easy, just follow the directions in Wayne's book. As I recall, there is also a tech article about the process on pelican.com that helps.