taking apart the shift lever

[FCguy]

So my shift knob came off on my 95' B2300.

I hate that the shifter is a press fit as it makes me thing that a factory new one would just come off fairly quick.

Not to mention I would like an aftermarket shifter that DOESN'T use small nuts to keep it in place ... the vibration has constantly loosened the current one I'm using and the extra threads poking out look like crap (and catch on stuff)

My brother has a full size metal lathe and suggested that if it can be mounted he could shave down the splines on the top of the shift handle and then cut threads into it. After that I suggested just taking your average que ball from a billiards set and, after drilling a hole in it, epoxy in a threaded sleeve to match the threads we would cut in with the lathe.

My question is this. The fixture at the bottom of the lever ... can it be easily removed?

 

[Mirage]

I don't remember my 96 B2300 having that black piece on it. It looks like it's swedged onto the shaft. I'm not really sure what purpose it has, perhaps to hold up the shifter boot that covers the stick. But perhaps you can cut it off with a grinder (at the bottom where it is crimped on), after marking the location on the shifter. The when done use a hose clamp or something to hold it up in the proper position to support the shift boot.

Just a quick thought.

Good luck, and let me know if it works for you. Mine is in the same condition (shifter knob slipping all over the place). I may do mine as well.

BTW be careful if you decide to use a cue ball and drill it. They have a nasty habit of shattering and or cracking if too much force is placed on them while drilling. Use water as a lubricant not cutting oil (it could discolor the ball). Speaking from experience here.

 

[srteach]

I cut about 1/2 the spline off, drilled an 8-ball (billiard ball, not drugs) slightly smaller (about 1/64 inch smaller) than the splines and hammered it on the shaft. Use a 2x4 between the ball and the hammer, and round or angle the end of the splines.

It has been solid for about 1.5 years.

You may not want to cut that much off the splines, though.

 

[FCguy]

let me be a little more clear ...


To mount the handle in a lathe it must be straight on both ends.

The brass colored piece it how the handle attaches to the trans. Cutting it off is not an option.

Any other issues (ie drilling a que ball) are taken care of.

I just need to know if the brass colored piece can be removed in such a way that it can be reinstalled.