extending the shifter
I just extended my 5 sp shifter today. Just went to the hardware store and bought 3 nuts and a 50 mm long threaded stud. The thread size is 12mm by 1.25. This is a fine thread, not the more common 1.75 thread.
I can explain further if you are interested. It seems like a big improvement in comfort, although it is the opposite of a short shifter.
I think maybe the quick shifter with this extention might be really nice as well, but I don't know the exact layout of the quickshifter.
I can explain further if you are interested. It seems like a big improvement in comfort, although it is the opposite of a short shifter.
I think maybe the quick shifter with this extention might be really nice as well, but I don't know the exact layout of the quickshifter.
It's too simple:
1.Unscrew the shift ****.
2.Thread on 2 nuts on the shift lever.
3.Lock the 2 nuts together, and make sure the top nut has 1/2 of it's threads exposed.
4.Thread the stud in the top nut.
5.Lock in place with another nut. Make sure everything is tight.
6.Screw on shift ****.
Best to use Locktite on the nuts.
Deal with the exposed area between the top of the boot and the underside of the shift **** with a spacer or whatever works for you. I think I'll machine a spacer from black Delrin.
1.Unscrew the shift ****.
2.Thread on 2 nuts on the shift lever.
3.Lock the 2 nuts together, and make sure the top nut has 1/2 of it's threads exposed.
4.Thread the stud in the top nut.
5.Lock in place with another nut. Make sure everything is tight.
6.Screw on shift ****.
Best to use Locktite on the nuts.
Deal with the exposed area between the top of the boot and the underside of the shift **** with a spacer or whatever works for you. I think I'll machine a spacer from black Delrin.

I got the aluminium shifter extension from ebay. I made the adapter to connect the shifter to the extension out of a piece of stainless steel i found at work. Painted it all hammered bronze and put a vintage Miller high life beer tap handle on top. Any questions just ask.
Now that is an extention!
I would have made an adapter if we had the right tap, but no luck. So I just bought 3 nuts and locked it in, and the nuts are hidden inside the shift ****. I still might make an adapter, for better thread engagement.
I would have made an adapter if we had the right tap, but no luck. So I just bought 3 nuts and locked it in, and the nuts are hidden inside the shift ****. I still might make an adapter, for better thread engagement.
mine is simply a 1/2 inch PVC pipe I picked up from Home Depot and a aluminum rod from there as well that will fit down into the stock shaft. cut both of them to size and all you have to do is push down to unlock the shifter. That is a Dr Pepper car at the top to fill in th gap under the shift ****.
Just did some research, this guy has a 3" shift extension that should work for xBs. The one listed as "Suzuki Samari Geo Tracker Side Kick Shifter Extension" has the 12mmx1.25 threads that markclaus above said were the right ones for the shifter.
I'm about to order the shift extension, and the solid bushings for the shift assembly. I'll post another comment here once I have it installed.
Now I need to find a decent round shift ****...
I'm about to order the shift extension, and the solid bushings for the shift assembly. I'll post another comment here once I have it installed.
Now I need to find a decent round shift ****...
I relocated right next to the shifter trim ring in the console, I just used a valet button from an alarm, works just fine. So really you could put the new OD button pretty much anywhere you want.
hope this helps.
hope this helps.
3" manual shifter extension installed.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/improbcat/2212198745/
(excuse the dirty interior, it's too damn cold up here to give it a proper cleaning)
I need to find a decent ball shift ****, then the exposed shifter shaft is going to be covered by a piece of thin polished copper pipe.
The 3" extension puts the shifter right at a comfortable level for me (I'm 6' 1"). I no longer have to lean forward to get it into 5th. I installed a set of solid shifter bushings from the same guy at the same time, which tightened up the shifter feel a bit.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/improbcat/2212198745/
I need to find a decent ball shift ****, then the exposed shifter shaft is going to be covered by a piece of thin polished copper pipe.
The 3" extension puts the shifter right at a comfortable level for me (I'm 6' 1"). I no longer have to lean forward to get it into 5th. I installed a set of solid shifter bushings from the same guy at the same time, which tightened up the shifter feel a bit.






