One of the first things I do when I buy a Mustang is change out the stock shifter for an aftermarket replacement. In my '89 Mustang I have already swapped an aftermarket shifter in, but I thought I'd give our new economy short throw shifter a try. Swapping in an aftermarket shifter makes the driving experience for a 5 speed car much more enjoyable. Follow along as I show you step by step how to install our econoshift T5/T45 shifter.
First you'll want to unscrew your shift knob.
Then you'll need to remove the shifter bezel/boot assembly. Just pull up on the bezel and the clips will pop the bezel out.
Next you'll grab a 1/2" socket and take the shifter handle off.
Then you'll need to remove the four bolts that hold the lower shift boot on. If yours is missing or torn up now would be a great time to change it out. You can find replacements here.
Once you get the boot out of the way you can remove the four 1/2" bolts that hold the shifter to the transmission.
After you remove the bolts you may need a prybar to persuade the shifter to detache itself from the transmission after being on for so long.
Anytime you are replacing the shifter it is highly recommended to change the dampener bushing.
Now grab your new shifter.
Install the shifter and secure it with the four bolts, then put your lower shift boot back on. This shifter has an option to put the handle at a lower position, so I opted to relocate the handle to the lowest level pictured below.
Now all you need to do is install the shifter bezel and boot assembly, then screw your shift knob back on and you're ready to row through the gears in your new shifter! You'll wonder how you went this long with the stock shifter assembly after installing our new Econoshift short throw shifter.