TRD SSK & Shift Cable Bushings Issue/Question

[H3LlIoN]

Originally Posted by minnyar

I had previosly installed TRD's short shifter (very similar to NST SSK 1) and last night installed the NST shift linkage bushings. The larger bushing, to which the TRD short shift kit is installed, was very hard to get on. I had to torque the cable quite a bit to get it on. Shift action seems fine, but I am concerned about the effort it took to put the bushing over the pintle. Anyone else have this issue? Should I just remove that bushing to make myself feel better or can I rest easy?

-As an aside, I now have every shifter related goody, except for the TWM short shifter which I do not want because of added effort. I have the TRD engine bay short shifter, NST SSK2, 2" shifter extension, shift cage bushings, shift linkage bushings, and an unweighted shift knob. The action is superb: short precise shifts, reasonable effort, and zero play once in gear. It's how I would imagine a gated shifter to be, but without a gated shifter Oh, and the added height of the shifter extension is great, much more comfortable.

First off, it does take a lot of effort to put a solid cable bushing in when using an in bay SSK, so that's normal, don't worry. Second, switching to TWM will replace the need for the NST2 and, as long as you remove that TRD engine bay, the effort will not increase any further. It will actually improve. Also, the TWM will shorten your X axis throws as well...something you have as yet not corrected.

[minnyar]

Originally Posted by H3LlIoN

Second, switching to TWM will replace the need for the NST2 and, as long as you remove that TRD engine bay, the effort will not increase any further. It will actually improve. Also, the TWM will shorten your X axis throws as well...something you have as yet not corrected.

Hmmm, interesting. I probably won't do it since I've sunk enough into the setup I have. But it would be interesting to have a uniform way to measure effort (maybe resistance in pounds...fish scale?) and shift distance in all axis (cardboard template with marks noting the distance). I'll have to think about this, if I do it I will post pics. Maybe you can do the same with your TWM? I doubt one is better than the other, and it really depends on the individual, but it would be nice to have some numbers.

[TWM Performance]

The extra effort to shift when you install a TWM short shifter is actually very minimal, specially considering the stock shifter is very loose in the Echo/Yaris. I personally prefer the slight increase in effort, it makes you feel actually connected to the car instead of rowing the shifter through a sea of melted butter like the stock shifter and stock bushings!

We also just released shifter extenders for people who are interested in the benefits of a short throw shifter but also want the shifter to sit higher and closer to the steering wheel.

Frank
Team TWM Performance

[H3LlIoN]

Originally Posted by minnyar

shift distance in all axis (cardboard template with marks noting the distance). I'll have to think about this, if I do it I will post pics. Maybe you can do the same with your TWM? I doubt one is better than the other.

Actually TWM is the only solution that provides both x and y throw reduction. You don't need cardboard to see this, you can look at the design. As to who reduces throw greatest on y axis, I don't know; you'd have to look at cardboard, but NST cabin does nothing for x axis, only y. Same with in bay...TRD/NST/Piggies style only addresses Y axis. There is a whole thread about this on MI, not really gonna type it up over here again.

- H