Hello All,
I am the proud owner of a 2000 Xterra 4wd V6, and (unfortunately) use my truck in the city 90% of the time. Has anyone used/installed a shorter shifter (with shorter throws). I find the long throws frustrating when city driving (read stop-and-go). I realize I may get flamed for asking this (by hardcore offroaders) but I am ready! Any help or constructive comments are much appreciated. thanks,

Broz
Vancouver, Canada

Broz -
I don't know if a short shift kit is made for the X.
I found the shift too high for my taste. So I removed the vibration damper (the thick part) of of the shifter. That lowered the shift knob and in effect, shortened the throw. It looks better too, no more 'circus tent' anymore.
If I remember, I'll e-mail a picture next week.

dave and xtoy - a lot of work tho

Has anyone else removed the vibration damper Dave speaks of? Sounds like a cool easy to do mod....I don't like the look of the huge shifter either. Please post pics and/or instructions.

Yeah, I would like to do that, too. My brother always makes fun of the X because of the shifter. It seriously feels like it's only connected by rubber bands after driving his car ('87 BMW 325is w/short-throw kit).

You can always go ghetto fabulous style and cut it in half then reinstall the knob.

What is this vibration damper ya'll talking about? Is it under the tent (pleather) covering? How much shorter are we talking about here?

The vibration damper is the large diameter tube, rubber insert and the inter shifter shaft. So, the outer tube is bonded to the rubber which is bonded to the solid onter shaft.
Removing the outer tube and bonded rubber insert is an absolute bitch. They did not intend for the assembly to be taken apart. I removed the outer tube in sections using a tubing cutter. Then you have to cut the rubber. Not fun, the reason to work on sections.
After removing the outer tube and rubber you will need to thread the end of the shaft for the shift knob. 10mm, fine thread - same as the OEM knob which you probably cut off anyway.
*Now*Realize* before you start, or even think about it - the vibration damper is there for a reason. It works. Without it you may hear transmision/gear noise and have vibration thru the shifter. Some people don't like that.
I can't post a picture but would be happy to take a photo and e-mail it to anyone who could.

dave and xtoy - but not til Monday

Dave - Could you CC that to me in an e-mail? It would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Brad
bstrom@rice.edu


EDIT: I will also post it here if you e-mail it to me!

[ 10-21-2001: Message edited by: Strom ]

there's this interesting feature on computers...

CTRL C.

:p

I won't do much for the throw, but I think its the "tent" look that hits people. I just cut the boot at the top and lowered it.
Look at the hella map light pic > http://www.geocities.com/x_canuk/interior_mods2.html

I MEANT THE PICTURE... :rolleyes:

Strom -
Some photos are on the way.

dave and xtoy - post'em if ya can

Here you guys go:




[ 10-22-2001: Message edited by: Strom ]

Dave,
I don't understand what part you removed. How far down the shifter is the vibration damper? Also, did you add another piece to the shift lever after you cut off the damper?
Thanks,
Brad

Brad -
Thanks for posting the photos.
The damper is a large diameter tube (1+ inch) that surrounds the solid shaft in the photos. Rubber is bonded between the outer tube and inter shaft. It is under the circus tent below the shift knob on an unaltered 5-speed.
dave and xtoy - with an altered 5-speed