Nuts & Bolts- shifters

[Jhendrix]

Those who have followed my posts know of the shifter issues I've raised about the bolt length for the baseplates for Steeda, and now, Pro-50 shifters. Although Steeda first cautioned about stock bolts being too short, both companies, supply the SAME LENGTH bolts as the stock units despite having a 1/4" increase in floorplate to the aftermarket unit. You all have graciously given me your opinions on this and I feel the need to address this issue as some of you have recommended me calling them and ask they send me the right bolts. I tried that today.

Taking that information about "wants and cares", I addressed each company today, only to get "trashed" about why I am making a thing over bolt length. My point being, for Steeda to caution buyers about bolts being too short...and Pro 5- e-mailing me about their bolts being correct length....why would they not supply bolts knowing the length of stock bolts is 1 inch. Their parts have base plates at/exceeding 1/4" causing them to have 1/4 less "grab" than stock system yet given aluminum casings, I didn't get anthing but guff.

As an old engineer [and now lawyer], I just want the best possible part that will withstand the "stresses" placed on aluminum parts so that anyone who purchases a Cobra will get a trouble free product.

Before I get really angry, ...If anyone, engineer or otherwise, has expertise in this field, give me some guidance. Otherwise, I am ready to go to war! Thanks in advance...

:)

By the way, I advised each company of my intent and gave them a day to respond.....

[Mongoose]

Makes me wanna hold on to the stock shifter, that I don't have a problem with.

[bhartman]

Trying not to purposely offend any "Design" Engineers out there...

Having been a Field "Technician" for 20+ years, I've come to realize that the majority of the Design Engineers have a total lack of common sense and Lord help you if you question their design!

That said...

Go get 'em Jhendrix! :spank:

To reduce "designed" bolt threads by 1/4" is asking for trouble. Especially with alunimum! You are now running the risks of stripping and/or vibrating loose.

Also, I'm sure Ford did not waste the expense of making the stock bolts 1/4" too long!

Good luck!:fryem:

[mot]

J as I said before. 1.5 times the major dia. for steel 2 times for alum. The bolts are 8mm dia. so for alum. the threads should be 16mm. one mm is worth .039 inches so 16*.039 is .624 inches almost 5\8. I am a toolmaker with 15 years exp. I would say that if you can get 1\2 inch of thread you should be fine. I am going to mount my steeda this weekend. I have bought studs for the job though. Alum. thds. will strip with repeated tightening and loosening. That is why I prefer studs. Tighten the stud in and it never needs to move in the thread again. Put a flat washer then a lock washer and nut on top and you are off to see the wizard. I have not done this install yet so I dont know if the studs will create a clearance problem, but I don't antcipate one.
Tom(mot):tmb:

[spiced]

The studs sound like a good idea. I've got the shifter but I'm gonna wait until the dealer checks out my shifting problem. They're going to check the clutch if its OK (I hope it is OK, I want the part he told them to order) they'll order a new part.
:bna :bna :bna

[mot]

I would like for Ford to look at mine for shifting problems,but I can't wait any longer! I have had this steeda shifter for a couple of weeks and am dieing to install. Hopefully it won't cause service problems. If it does I will change it back untill they address them.:cbra:

[Jhendrix]

How did your installation go with the studs?

Did you use the innermost rubber cap on your stock shifter to cover the steeda's.

How or did you dampen the vibration/noise from handle?

I originally bought a Steeda and returned it because of bolt length and noise vibration..only to find that problem with other shifters as well...I am thinking of going back to Steeda, use your setup, and use thin rubber bushing between upper/llower handle to cut down on noise/vibration....:)

[mot]

Install went good. I took my time because I didn't want to get any grease on the seats. I found that 40 mm studs were the right length, or as close as I could get. The trans. was threaded deeper than the studs were able to reach, but they went in more than a half inch. The install looks clean with nuts and washers. The rubber boot that mounts on the stock shiffter won't fit over the steeda. The floor gasket\boot fits fine. I used the top holes in the shifter because when on the lower holes a piece of the shifter made a funny bulge in the leather boot. I did not try to stop any noise with any rubber, and there is a bit more of it. The shifting is way better. I only drove it for 10 min. or so enough to warm it up and throw a hard 1-2 shift and 6-3 down shift with good results. 2-3 feels good, but space dosen't always allow. I can't wait for a chance for 2-3 powershift! There is a liitle more effort to get into reverse from the stronger centering springs.
I give it good marks.:bna :cool: