Shifter Install Question

[OrangeKrate]

I'm trying to remove the stock shifter from my 2009 GT. Should be a fairly simple and straight-forward affair (removing two nuts and two bolts). The two nuts remove easily as does the 13mm bolt. However, the 10mm bolt at the front of the shifter will not budge. I bought a long-handled 10mm ratchet wrench to increase my torque and leverage but it still won't turn and my concern is snapping off the bolt. Anyone run into this problem? What should be my next step? Transmission shop to see if they can get it loose? I've accompanied photos, if that's helpful. The first photo shows the actual stuck bolt. The second photo shows where that stuck 10mm would be located on the shifter.

 

[GriffX]

I lowered the transmission 3/4' without removing the bolts to get there with a ratchet.

PS: I see the 09 has noise insulation there, I like that

 

[SVT Rider]

Yes, this fastener is on there tight (torque spec is 30 lb-ft) and it is in a tight spot to get a wrench in there. As mentioned you should use a 6-point socket with ratchet to untorque it. A typical 12 point closed end wrench or open end is going to round the head.

If you are concerned about the threads are rusted or bolt is stuck, you can use the 30 lb-ft torque spec as a reference to limit the chance of breaking (maybe go up to 35-40 ft-lb as a max). If you think you are going to exceed 40lb-ft, then I suggest tapping the bolt head while under un-torque load or using a impact driver that either has a torque limiter stick or has a known max torque (counter clockwise rating).

One last thought is you can try getting some pentrating oil in on the back side of the shifter bushing to get down into the threads on the transmission boss. Best of luck!

 

[GriffX]

One quick tipp, if you open the head of a torque wrench and turn the 1/2 inch square end around you get a left hand torque wrench for free

 

[OrangeKrate]

I lowered the transmission 3/4' without removing the bolts to get there with a ratchet.

In the vids I watched, some videos showed guys using a standard socket wrench. My '09 does not have room for anything other than a closed (or open end) wrench, or a ratcheting wrench. I certainly can't fit a torque wrench in there. The insulation takes up some of the room, but even after I cut the insulation with a razor knife to move it out of the way, the floor of the '09 is too close to the bolt head to allow access. Some of those videos show a remarkable amount of space in their transmission tunnel. Mine will allow a socket to slide over the bolt, but nothing else. Thus, I can only use a ratchet wrench.

I've heard heat works, but I don't want to ignite the insulation, melt the rubber insulator or risk getting too close to a flammable liquid.

 

[AHaze]

As mentioned in the first reply, unbolt the trans mount and pull the tailshaft down slightly. You will likely have to do this to get the new shifter in anyway.