Factory Short Shift install problems

[ptarga]

Hi,

I'm installing a factory short shift kit and I'm having trouble getting the old shift pivot housing out to replace it with the new one. I can't get any movement in any of the parts: the hex bolt (22mm) or the set screw. (see picture on http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/911_short_shift_tindel/Figure7.jpg) I would hate to give it up and reassemble the old shifter because of that but I need the car for daily driving... Currently I've sprayed WD40 on both pieces and am waiting.
I think the set screw needs to go off first, but I'm not really sure. Also, for the next step, do I need to drive the roll pin (on the opposite side) into the housing or outside the housing to get the shifter pivot out? In the instructions I've read on this site and in Wayne's book it is not so clear to me.
Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Filip

[Paco Anton]

Filip,

Been there, done that.

The hex bolt must go first. I was able to unscrew it with the housing not installed, but if you can't, some people suggest to install the housing back in the car to gain leverage.

Then you work on the roll pin. You do not have to completely take out the roll pin, but to push it enough to be able to extract the roll cage. You work from the inside of the roll cage and hit the head of the roll pin with a small hammer (it must fit inside the roll cage and also have room to go back and forth). After some hitting, the roll pin will begin to appear on the outside of the housing, stop when you can get the roll cage out.

To install the new roll cage do the opposite, put the roll cage in its place and then hit the roll pin from the outside until it fits the hole in the roll cage. Then install the hex bolt.

Hope this helps.

[scottb]

Paco hit the issue right on the head. If you've got the shifter out of the car, it may be difficult to loosen that nut. Re-install the shifter into the car, and you'll then be able to lean on the nut with a socket wrench and break it loose. Once you get the nut loosened, the project should go pretty easily. One thing I've heard, though never tried, is that some people have reassembled the shifter by compressing the springs in a bench vice. I did mine the old-fashioned way (leaning on them and cursing), but if I had known about the bench vice technicque I might have tried it. I used Pelican's instructions for installing the short shift kit, and they were great. Good luck with your project.

[Steve W]

If you are using a socket along with a long enough breaker bar, you should be able to loosen the set screw. Also, the roll pin can be pushed out either way, but if the shifter is mounted in the car, use a long pipe or stick, or screwdriver to push it out from the inside.

[ptarga]

Eureka!
Muchas Gracias, Paco and the others.
As suggested, I re-installed the housing back in the car, and tried to turn the 22mm nut leaning with the socket wrench. I had to use an extra long pipe around the wrench to get it loose, but it finally turned. The rest of the project went pretty smooth. While still in car, I tapped the roll pin out of the housing (until the pivot housing and the washer fell down...) I didn't have any problems with the springs either. I just pushed the whole thing down, while my son fastened a nut on both sides. I reinstalled the washers after that, as suggested in Wayne's book.
Once everything was back in the car, I had to realign the coupler, but now everything is ok. I just finished my test drive and I'm very pleased with the change. Only 100 more projects to go

Thanks a lot, guys.

[scottb]

That's what this board is all about. If you have a problem, chances are someone knows the answer. Welcome to the club!!

(What city are you in?)

[ptarga]

Thanks, I have been an avid reader of the board since a while, but never posted anything before.

I'm located in Fremont, CA, but planning on returning to Europe soon. (...and take my Porsche with me)