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Shift boot question

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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 10:08 PM
  #1  
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Default Shift boot question

Replacing upper and lower shift boot.

I am unable to get the "retainer" out of the shifter. The FSM shows that it simply pulls up but mine wouldn't budge and is breaking off. I sprayed a little WD-40 down it to help it come out but to no avail. Any recommendations?


Last edited by Jitsu; Sep 18, 2007 at 01:28 AM.
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Old Sep 17, 2007 | 11:25 PM
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as far as the shift **** goes pry that cap off the top again and take a long flat head and pry that little "t nut" up, remove the reverse lock out set screw (really small allen) and rotate counter clockwise to remove. I just did a clutch last week so i know your boot deliemma. YOU NEED TO FIX THAT TO FIX UR PROBLEM. Find one from a junk yard or go to GM. That boot needs to come up to remove the shifter and shift linkage for the trans removal. BTW that "T nut" in a PITA and feels like you may be prying to hard but thats how it comes out
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 01:29 AM
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I tried needle-nose pliers as well as a flat head screw driver but no go...
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 07:07 AM
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the pin doesn't HAVE to be there, it just keeps the **** straight. If you have to break it off, it's not biggie, you can either make something to shove back in there, or not use it. I've got a ball style shifter, so it doesn't matter if it ever turns a little, it always feels the same.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 07:39 AM
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Spray a LOT of wd40 in that sucka. Id take the top off, so you can get better angle pulling on it, and watch the teeth!
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 08:31 AM
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The best way, is to get some Vice Grips, and clamp down on that T-Shaped keeper. Now, put a long screwdriver through an opening in the vice grips so the screwdriver is horizontal to your console.

Now your ready to take a hammer and give that screwdriver a few hits in an upward motion. A few well placed hits, and that keeper will pop right out.

I've never been able to budge it, by just pulling up on it.
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 09:29 AM
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Originally Posted by RollaMo-LT4
The best way, is to get some Vice Grips, and clamp down on that T-Shaped keeper. Now, put a long screwdriver through an opening in the vice grips so the screwdriver is horizontal to your console.

Now your ready to take a hammer and give that screwdriver a few hits in an upward motion. A few well placed hits, and that keeper will pop right out.

I've never been able to budge it, by just pulling up on it.
I use pretty much the same method, except I just hit the Vise-Grips with the hammer.
New Vise-Grips, with sharp teeth, are required....


Larry
code5coupe

__________
not easily impressed....
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Old Sep 18, 2007 | 02:09 PM
  #8  
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It may not be clear from its appearance while installed...but that retainer is definetly shaped liek a "T". I take a large flat head screw driver and position it under one of the sides of the "T". I levergae the screwdriver off the back end of the top of the shift **** and pry upwards. It is in there really firnly. You still have a significant amount to pry off of on the right side of the "T".

The other suggesions are good ones too. I have removed this at least 3 times (Install B&M shifter, new boot and new ****) without incident.
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