Shifter Bushing Replacement

So all IS going well. Disassembled, removed debris and cleaned the shifter assembly to install the replacement shifter components (seat and socket).

Shift lever removed


Shift lever, removed debris (previous bushing) along with replacement components.


Old vs. new shifter socket


Old vs. new shifter seat (!!!)


That’s when all went wrong. I’m stuck getting the metal locking collar rotated to secure everything, prior to replacing the shifter boot.


EDIT:

That’s when I turned to Tacoma World. Thru the sanity checking efforts of @Dalandser, @CodeSeven, @MikeWH, and @TACORIDER I was put back on track.

A note to any and all future amateurs who are going to attempt this procedure: when reinstalling the shift lever components, MAKE SURE you’ve removed the rubber seal that is under where the replacement seat will go. It’s difficult to see/notice, and unless you have super human strength (and honestly might even damage the components or won’t be able to shift due to excessive friction) you won’t be able to reinstall the shift lever. Don’t risk the bruised hands, chewed up locking collar, or un-necessary self-doubt.


Locking Collar back in place


Center console trim reinstalled. I want to change up the leather bag that surrounds this area. Frankly I think just the rubber shift boot looks way cooler anyway, but to each their own.


Thanks again everyone for getting me back on track, and for assisting in the accomplishment of my first successful repair.

 

@Speedytech7's got some advice for this irrc.

 

Lube it up a little before trying to put it back? I just did the same on my truck and the locking collar just twisted in place surprisingly easily for me. Also, it's a pretty strong piece of metal, if you can hold it with some channel locks while pushing and turning it, you should try that.

 

Yea I feel like I am having to put an inordinate amount of force to press it down. Should it twist while being flush with the outer flange?

 

On my truck I replaced the seat but didn't notice the plastic/rubber washer that sits below the seat. Could not for the life of me get the ring to turn. I watched the video from Marlin Crawler and they pulled that washer outSo I removed the brand new seat, pulled the washer, reinstalled the seat, and the ring went on easily. Hope this helps!

 

This makes night and day difference but mine was a bitch. I used needle nose pliers to push and turn which took a few tries

 

THANK YOU! This was exactly it!

 

forgot about that washer.......... lawl

 

Yea... pretty derp moment for me lol

Thanks again though!

 

WOW..."Old vs new shifter seat"....LMAO..

 

I used wheel bearing grease on the shift area and the locking collar area and went in just fine,
You do have to push down hard tho, used my fingers

 

Yeah, honestly I kind of want to go back and really clean everything out good and give it new grease instead of just putting in the new parts.

For sure. Once I got that little rubber washer out of the way it went in okay, a bit of effort but nothing crazy.

With that damn rubber washer in I was literally hulking that thing down with all my might and wasn’t able to turn it at all. Figured something wasn’t quite right... quick! Tacoma World!

 

Any pics of the washer or where it is in the assembly? This isn't the first time I've heard of it and it's got me curious. Lol

 

Unfortunately no, no pictures.

It rests on the same flange that the shifter seat does. The problem is it’s basically the same color as the grease and gunked up crap (if this was ones problem) so visually it’s not readily apparent, and it’s difficult to feel for. I took a packing knife and gently poked before feeling the give of something rubber vice metal.

It’s only maybe 1-1.5mm thick, but it makes literally all the difference.

I’ll take a picture tomorrow and post it as a “make sure you look for this” for all the newbs (like me) out there.

 

So was it on top of the new bushing when reinstalling the shifter or below it?

 

Below.

I actually do have a pic of it, of course everything in retrospect is easier and obvious lol

 

Cool thank you! I'll have this in my rolo-dex of tips and tricks for the future on here and not get in the same situation myself. What program / app were you using to magnify that part of the pic?

 

Of course!! Glad I could be useful around here!

I am doing all the edits and posting with my iPhone. The markups and magnification are with the standard iOS photos app

 

I've been slacking on updating my 5s in fear that it will bog down the performance. Guess I gotta just send it! lol

 

Mmmm you know I cleaned the whole area down in that spot and didn't even see that rubber gasket. I'm sure it's there.
Well everything is work perfectly after I replaced the other parts anyways.