Short Shifter Install (TWM)
quick question i think my washer that i was provided the hole is a bit small and everytime i try to tap it on the bolt starts to come back out what do i need to do for this to work thanks
Originally Posted by Solerusscion
Just Did My install And Much props to KEVIN from TWM for hooking me up And supporting the us army and to all of you for your info that clip was cake with 2 flatheads THANKS ALL FOR THE GREAT I N F O
Kevin
TWM
Originally Posted by Importspeed
quick question i think my washer that i was provided the hole is a bit small and everytime i try to tap it on the bolt starts to come back out what do i need to do for this to work thanks
I hope this helps,
Kevin
TWM
thanks i took the whole unit and sit it sideways and proped the hammer on the bolt and well i went to the hardware store and bought another washer thanks and it is finally in and works good
First off I must give major kudos for the write up!!!!
Just some things I learned from my install. I put in a Megan STS.
Use the dremel, I tried for about 30seconds to be a hero with a knife.... just make it easy and cut the thing off.
When it comes to prying off that cap right before you can remove the shifter, once you do some loosening there is some good leverage right in front on the left front or right front side. You can wedge a good lever in there (over top where the big pin was) and pop the cap off.
In the install of my Megan shifter I was given the replacement pin restraint, if your kit doesn't come with these, send it back
Also in my kit there were 4 new bolts, washers and pink/purple stand off pucks. Use them! Remove the very small metal stand offs and position in the new pucks. It keeps the shifter from being sunk halfway to the ground, while still lowering the throw distance.
Again.... awesome right up!!!
Just some things I learned from my install. I put in a Megan STS.
Use the dremel, I tried for about 30seconds to be a hero with a knife.... just make it easy and cut the thing off.
When it comes to prying off that cap right before you can remove the shifter, once you do some loosening there is some good leverage right in front on the left front or right front side. You can wedge a good lever in there (over top where the big pin was) and pop the cap off.
In the install of my Megan shifter I was given the replacement pin restraint, if your kit doesn't come with these, send it back
Also in my kit there were 4 new bolts, washers and pink/purple stand off pucks. Use them! Remove the very small metal stand offs and position in the new pucks. It keeps the shifter from being sunk halfway to the ground, while still lowering the throw distance.
Again.... awesome right up!!!
You have to remove the cables too, which can take a bit of wrestling sometimes. But really, you dont have to remove the cage. I seriously installed the gearswitcher (the inside parts, I did the cable bushings later on) in less than an hour, letting my 11 year old take a lot of the console apart along the way so he could help out.
For the washer, I think people are going straight to the dremel because they are trying to cut it with something else first. Take a smaller bladed standard screwdriver first and tap it behind the pushwasher. Once you have a gap, slide a larger one into that gap and pry. It will come right off, probably breaking it. If it does and the kit you buy doesnt come with one, Ace True Value has them that will work. They are a bit less stiff, but work just fine.
I spent more time getting the cap off than I did the washer, but that just takes figuring out where to put your two prying tools. It really isnt a bad job.
When you put on the cable bushings, go ahead and take off the intake tubing, it makes it much easier. I did it without removing it, but it only takes a few minutes to take it off and makes the cable much easier to get to.
For the washer, I think people are going straight to the dremel because they are trying to cut it with something else first. Take a smaller bladed standard screwdriver first and tap it behind the pushwasher. Once you have a gap, slide a larger one into that gap and pry. It will come right off, probably breaking it. If it does and the kit you buy doesnt come with one, Ace True Value has them that will work. They are a bit less stiff, but work just fine.
I spent more time getting the cap off than I did the washer, but that just takes figuring out where to put your two prying tools. It really isnt a bad job.
When you put on the cable bushings, go ahead and take off the intake tubing, it makes it much easier. I did it without removing it, but it only takes a few minutes to take it off and makes the cable much easier to get to.
Originally Posted by engifineer
You have to remove the cables too, which can take a bit of wrestling sometimes. But really, you dont have to remove the cage. I seriously installed the gearswitcher (the inside parts, I did the cable bushings later on) in less than an hour, letting my 11 year old take a lot of the console apart along the way so he could help out.
For the washer, I think people are going straight to the dremel because they are trying to cut it with something else first. Take a smaller bladed standard screwdriver first and tap it behind the pushwasher. Once you have a gap, slide a larger one into that gap and pry. It will come right off, probably breaking it. If it does and the kit you buy doesnt come with one, Ace True Value has them that will work. They are a bit less stiff, but work just fine.
I spent more time getting the cap off than I did the washer, but that just takes figuring out where to put your two prying tools. It really isnt a bad job.
When you put on the cable bushings, go ahead and take off the intake tubing, it makes it much easier. I did it without removing it, but it only takes a few minutes to take it off and makes the cable much easier to get to.
For the washer, I think people are going straight to the dremel because they are trying to cut it with something else first. Take a smaller bladed standard screwdriver first and tap it behind the pushwasher. Once you have a gap, slide a larger one into that gap and pry. It will come right off, probably breaking it. If it does and the kit you buy doesnt come with one, Ace True Value has them that will work. They are a bit less stiff, but work just fine.
I spent more time getting the cap off than I did the washer, but that just takes figuring out where to put your two prying tools. It really isnt a bad job.
When you put on the cable bushings, go ahead and take off the intake tubing, it makes it much easier. I did it without removing it, but it only takes a few minutes to take it off and makes the cable much easier to get to.
omg this instruction was good untill i got to that damn washer u wasnt kidding about alot of cussing and yelling but yea my ____ looks like urs might even bee worst i used a screw driver plus hammer phew wat a horror. i bought a dremel and i bought that cutting tool it didnt fit the dremel frustrating lol so i hammered the dremel needle in there to have little leverage for the screw driver haha. o yea i even use a house nife and hammer broke that nife lol my fingers all cutt up itsd now 3am . im proud i accomplish it on my own without going to the dealer.
damn that washer to hell and those metal clips(pink dot on them) holding the lever in place ur pix didnt show those are they only in the 2008 model


damn that washer to hell and those metal clips(pink dot on them) holding the lever in place ur pix didnt show those are they only in the 2008 model


so does the TMW short shifter actually reduce the throw of your shift? or does it just shorten the shifter itself. theres really no point in getting one if it only shortens the shifters length...
Originally Posted by yellowxhoodie
so does the TMW short shifter actually reduce the throw of your shift? or does it just shorten the shifter itself. theres really no point in getting one if it only shortens the shifters length...
The TWM Scion tC short shifter reduces shift **** height and re-positions the pivot point on the shifter so both the throw and shift **** height are reduced. It does not just shorten the shifter itself, it is a true short shifter with a greater length below the pivot point.
Thanks,
Kevin
TWM Performance
on the TWm website, you have the option of buying the shifter, or 3 special packages (they include a set of bronzoil shifter cable bushings, shifter base bushings). Why would I purchase the kit and not just she Stage 2 shifter? Won't the shifter work fine with the stock setup? Also, for the guys who have installed the Stage 2 shifter, are you sure it's not too short...isn't it uncomfortable, doesn't the armrest get in the way of the elbow?
Originally Posted by cad455
This is an install how-to for the TWM short shifter for the Scion tC.
First of all, I am NOT responsible for what you or this aftermarket part does to your car. Unless you are completely comfortable with tearing things apart and getting your hands dirty, DO NOT PROCEED.
* ALWAYS keep hardware (bolts, nuts, screws, anything) in a SAFE PLACE.
Tools you'll need:
- Screwdrivers, phillips and flathead
- Socket wrench and socket set
- Hammer
- Dremel
- Patience
And now for the install:

Here is what you'll get from TWM. The shift lever, some replacement clips, a special tool for the installation, a few decals, and some absolutely worthless instructions:

Way to go, guys. Top notch stuff here.

Begin by removing your shift ****. Remember, "lefty loosey."

There are four points at which the shift gate cover are clipped down. The arrows mark the points at which you'll want to pry.

Before lifting it up, flip the cover over to reveal the plug for the cigarette lighter.

Here they are.

The power plug should slide right off.

This clip will need a little wiggling to pull off.

The piece with the cupholders has four clip points, just like the first part. Plant your hand well underneat and pull firmly.

Use your fingertips to pry loose the rear clips.

Yet another AC plug next to the E-brake needs to be disconnected before we can pull everything up. It's a stiff clip, use patience.

The wiring from the main cigarette lighter needs to be unclipped one more time. Reach underneath and pop it out.

Next, lift open your arm rest. Use your imagination to lift the carpet out. It isn't attached by adhesive, so just yank it out.

Underneath, you'll find too bolts holding the rear section down. Use a 3/8 socket to unscrew them. They aren't very tight,
they almost felt as if they were finger-tight. Pull out the bolts and put them in a safe place.

Next, unscrew the two points holding the forward part of the console in.

Gently slide the console back, but don't lift yet.

Work your hand under the rear portion, and lift upward and back. Use your other hand to guide the console out from between the seats.

Your back seat should now look like this. Do not throw these parts away, as we will use them while installing the new shift lever. (
)

On the left side of this assembly, you'll find this clip. Use a tool of your choice to push up on the part shown in the picture.

No big deal. I wish I could say as much for the rest of the process.

Behind the shifter assembly, at the bottom of the shift lever, you'll find this clip holding the arm to the lever. Use your thumb or a tool to unfasten the clip. I found that I did not have to remove this completely, so i just pushed the little rods out of the way.

I'm getting frustrated again, thinking about this part. The instructions read that you should use a flathead screwdriver to pry the washer/clip off of the end of this rod. It's not that easy. My first recommendation would be to use Mikochu's dremel method, shown here:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28859
Or, you could do what I did, and jimmy it out while swearing alot. I boogered up the assembly pretty bad, and the fact that I used a rusty screwdriver makes it look even worse. Alas, I did it. Just be prepared to scuff up your assembly if you go this route.

Dead.

Next, use a punch, or screwdriver, to push this rod out of the lefthand side. I tapped it loose with a hammer, then tapped the handle of a screwdriver to slide it out. Slide the rod out and put it in a safe place. Then remove the leftmost part of the assembly from the smaller ball of the shift lever. Make note of the spring configuration. Try not to disturb it, but if you do, make sure to return it back to where it should be.

With some more scuffing, swearing, and prying, pop off the piece that holds the lever down in place. Leverage is nonexistant here, so be careful about how forceful you are.

Shown is the piece coming up, after suffering my wrath.

Before you remove the shift lever, remove these two pieces from the shaft. Put them in a safe place.

Remove the stock shift lever and place it next to the TWM replacement. Revel in the glory and excitement of the shorter shift throws to come.

Back to reality! You need this little "cup" from the stock lever.

Included is a special tool for snapping it off. TWM says you should place the lever in a vice, and this, and that, and yadda yadda yadda. But I found myself reverting back to Mikochu's wise methods, shown below.

Place the soles of your shoes over the flat ring, and pull like your life depends on it. The cap will pop off, so make sure it doesn't go far.

Another victory. Make sure to grease up the lower ball on the lever with some lubricant. I found that the stock shifter was covered in enough goop to transfer to the new lever with my fingertips. This part is your call, though.

Pop the cap onto the bottom of the new lever. I did this by letting the cap stick to the lube on the ball joint, and giving it a quick jab at the pavement. I wouldn't use too much force though. Again, getting this done is your call.

After greasing up the ball joints, seat the lever in the stock assembly and replace the upper ring. The piece uses clips, so it will take some brute force to get it to snap back down. Once the upper plastic ring is in place, pull up on the lever to see if there is any play in the joint. If not, you're okay. Don't worry about how the ball joints connect yet.

Before you forget, put those little plastic bits on your new lever.

Now, move that assembly on the lefthand side back into place. Make sure that the spring mechanism is in it's original position. The lefthand ball joint on the lever should be peeking through.

Use a hammer to lightly tap the rod back through it's original shaft. Once it's all the way, give it a few more taps to compress the spring a bit. The end of the rod should be sticking out of the other end.

I know, it looks really gross. This is what happens when you use a rusty screwdriver to monkey up your stock assembly. Again, I would recommend the dremel method. But anyway, place the new washer/clip provided by TWM around the end of the shaft. The teeth should be sticking out. Use a hammer and an oversized socket to work the washer/clip into place.

Replace the clip on the lefthand side of the assembly. Pop. Done.

Next, reach under the assembly and seat the bottom of the lever in the arm harness. Pull the two-sided clip back over so it holds the plastic cup in place.

Replace the main console piece: Two screws under the AC controls and the two bolts in the storage compartment. Reconnect the pieces pointed out in the picture.

Replace the cupholder piece. It will snap back into place. We're almost there, but we're going to fiddle with the shift boot first.

Turn the boot inside out and remove the fastener ring.

Pull the plastic ring out of the boot, then move the fastener ring down to the middle, like shown above.

Now, push the ring back into the boot, letting the fastener ring rest on top of the plastic ring.

Don't forget to reattach the cigarette lighter plug.

Replace the boot/shift cover and replace the shift ****. Then you'll have...

A nice new short shifter. :D
I would almost recommend this as a first upgrade. It really feels more like driving a sports coupe than a sedan after the new shifter is in. It takes a bit more effort to make the throws, but if you're on top of it, it's really fun.
Enjoy, and drive safely.
-John
First of all, I am NOT responsible for what you or this aftermarket part does to your car. Unless you are completely comfortable with tearing things apart and getting your hands dirty, DO NOT PROCEED.
* ALWAYS keep hardware (bolts, nuts, screws, anything) in a SAFE PLACE.
Tools you'll need:
- Screwdrivers, phillips and flathead
- Socket wrench and socket set
- Hammer
- Dremel
- Patience
And now for the install:

Here is what you'll get from TWM. The shift lever, some replacement clips, a special tool for the installation, a few decals, and some absolutely worthless instructions:

Way to go, guys. Top notch stuff here.

Begin by removing your shift ****. Remember, "lefty loosey."

There are four points at which the shift gate cover are clipped down. The arrows mark the points at which you'll want to pry.

Before lifting it up, flip the cover over to reveal the plug for the cigarette lighter.

Here they are.

The power plug should slide right off.

This clip will need a little wiggling to pull off.

The piece with the cupholders has four clip points, just like the first part. Plant your hand well underneat and pull firmly.

Use your fingertips to pry loose the rear clips.

Yet another AC plug next to the E-brake needs to be disconnected before we can pull everything up. It's a stiff clip, use patience.

The wiring from the main cigarette lighter needs to be unclipped one more time. Reach underneath and pop it out.

Next, lift open your arm rest. Use your imagination to lift the carpet out. It isn't attached by adhesive, so just yank it out.

Underneath, you'll find too bolts holding the rear section down. Use a 3/8 socket to unscrew them. They aren't very tight,
they almost felt as if they were finger-tight. Pull out the bolts and put them in a safe place.

Next, unscrew the two points holding the forward part of the console in.

Gently slide the console back, but don't lift yet.

Work your hand under the rear portion, and lift upward and back. Use your other hand to guide the console out from between the seats.

Your back seat should now look like this. Do not throw these parts away, as we will use them while installing the new shift lever. (

On the left side of this assembly, you'll find this clip. Use a tool of your choice to push up on the part shown in the picture.

No big deal. I wish I could say as much for the rest of the process.

Behind the shifter assembly, at the bottom of the shift lever, you'll find this clip holding the arm to the lever. Use your thumb or a tool to unfasten the clip. I found that I did not have to remove this completely, so i just pushed the little rods out of the way.

I'm getting frustrated again, thinking about this part. The instructions read that you should use a flathead screwdriver to pry the washer/clip off of the end of this rod. It's not that easy. My first recommendation would be to use Mikochu's dremel method, shown here:
https://www.scionlife.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=28859
Or, you could do what I did, and jimmy it out while swearing alot. I boogered up the assembly pretty bad, and the fact that I used a rusty screwdriver makes it look even worse. Alas, I did it. Just be prepared to scuff up your assembly if you go this route.

Dead.

Next, use a punch, or screwdriver, to push this rod out of the lefthand side. I tapped it loose with a hammer, then tapped the handle of a screwdriver to slide it out. Slide the rod out and put it in a safe place. Then remove the leftmost part of the assembly from the smaller ball of the shift lever. Make note of the spring configuration. Try not to disturb it, but if you do, make sure to return it back to where it should be.

With some more scuffing, swearing, and prying, pop off the piece that holds the lever down in place. Leverage is nonexistant here, so be careful about how forceful you are.

Shown is the piece coming up, after suffering my wrath.

Before you remove the shift lever, remove these two pieces from the shaft. Put them in a safe place.

Remove the stock shift lever and place it next to the TWM replacement. Revel in the glory and excitement of the shorter shift throws to come.

Back to reality! You need this little "cup" from the stock lever.

Included is a special tool for snapping it off. TWM says you should place the lever in a vice, and this, and that, and yadda yadda yadda. But I found myself reverting back to Mikochu's wise methods, shown below.

Place the soles of your shoes over the flat ring, and pull like your life depends on it. The cap will pop off, so make sure it doesn't go far.

Another victory. Make sure to grease up the lower ball on the lever with some lubricant. I found that the stock shifter was covered in enough goop to transfer to the new lever with my fingertips. This part is your call, though.

Pop the cap onto the bottom of the new lever. I did this by letting the cap stick to the lube on the ball joint, and giving it a quick jab at the pavement. I wouldn't use too much force though. Again, getting this done is your call.

After greasing up the ball joints, seat the lever in the stock assembly and replace the upper ring. The piece uses clips, so it will take some brute force to get it to snap back down. Once the upper plastic ring is in place, pull up on the lever to see if there is any play in the joint. If not, you're okay. Don't worry about how the ball joints connect yet.

Before you forget, put those little plastic bits on your new lever.

Now, move that assembly on the lefthand side back into place. Make sure that the spring mechanism is in it's original position. The lefthand ball joint on the lever should be peeking through.

Use a hammer to lightly tap the rod back through it's original shaft. Once it's all the way, give it a few more taps to compress the spring a bit. The end of the rod should be sticking out of the other end.

I know, it looks really gross. This is what happens when you use a rusty screwdriver to monkey up your stock assembly. Again, I would recommend the dremel method. But anyway, place the new washer/clip provided by TWM around the end of the shaft. The teeth should be sticking out. Use a hammer and an oversized socket to work the washer/clip into place.

Replace the clip on the lefthand side of the assembly. Pop. Done.

Next, reach under the assembly and seat the bottom of the lever in the arm harness. Pull the two-sided clip back over so it holds the plastic cup in place.

Replace the main console piece: Two screws under the AC controls and the two bolts in the storage compartment. Reconnect the pieces pointed out in the picture.

Replace the cupholder piece. It will snap back into place. We're almost there, but we're going to fiddle with the shift boot first.

Turn the boot inside out and remove the fastener ring.

Pull the plastic ring out of the boot, then move the fastener ring down to the middle, like shown above.

Now, push the ring back into the boot, letting the fastener ring rest on top of the plastic ring.

Don't forget to reattach the cigarette lighter plug.

Replace the boot/shift cover and replace the shift ****. Then you'll have...

A nice new short shifter. :D
I would almost recommend this as a first upgrade. It really feels more like driving a sports coupe than a sedan after the new shifter is in. It takes a bit more effort to make the throws, but if you're on top of it, it's really fun.
Enjoy, and drive safely.
-John
Im waiting for my TWM SS to come in so I can use your handy write up. However it stinks how I ordered the TWM SS two days before they had their monster sale








