Topic: HELP! - Installing 4 speed T Handle shifter upper boot

[GT500KR]

Replace the boot on a warm day, or at least get it soft in very warm water, like 110-120F.
Jim

+1 Hard to believe, but it really will work. I have been successful as well using this method.

[preaction]

I trust that this will work I guess that I wasn't expecting that disassembly of the handle would be so much avoided.

[Hipo giddyup]

+1 to hot water!! Let it soak until it is very pliable. Wear some gloves in case it's too hot but it really softens the rubber. I used a coat hanger to help pull it over the T and an extra set of hands doesnt hurt too.

[preaction]

The hot water worked great.

[RoyceP]

The shop manual makes it look like the reverse lockout "tee" is easily removable. I don't see how to do it - the shifter is in need of a rebuild and I need to install a new shift boot. The rebuild part looks simple enough but the boot has me worried. What do I do?


Thanks in advance.......

[J_Speegle]

Going to merge your request with an earlier thread than describes other members methods and suggestions since it appears that the installing the boot is your focus


They were located over in the general Interior section

[Bossbill]

I agree on the heat. Get it uncomfortable to handle and wear latex gloves.

I also found that if you pull up on the handle and then lock the bottom lock catch in place you can then move the latch pull-up lever over quite a bit. By off-centering the pull-up lever to the side it's easier to stretch the boot as it has to stretch less.
I also used the half circle end of brake pliers to help get the boot over the lever. Get the lever off-center, lube up the brake handle at the end, stick it into the boot, catch the pull-up lever in the half circle and simply lever the boot over. The roundness of the pliers keeps the boot from being nicked on the inside which is often why the break.

[RoyceP]

So I did a search and found a description on the VMF of lubing the boot really well and stretching it over the BOTTOM of the shift lever. It was on there in seconds. Didn't use heat. Easy, didn't rip either. I used petroleum jelly, the cheap kind from Wal Mart. I wore rubber gloves so I didn't get greasy.

[Bossbill]

Good tip. Stretching it over the T is nerve wracking.