Is there something wrong with my shifter?

Midtenn

Midtenn

TJ Addict
Joined
Mar 4, 2020
Messages
1,543
Location
Tennessee
Hello,
I’m new to his forum and to jeeps in general. I recently purchased an 03 TJ 5 speed. The shifter boot and bezel are missing so I just found some replacements from Amazon. However, when looking at the shifter, it looks odd or broke. Unfortunately there are zero wranglers within 200 miles of here so I have no frame of reference. Here are some pictures

4E3A7A98-30CE-4397-B24C-E58EA74CC1E3.jpeg


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Other than missing a bolt it looks normal.
 
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Missing a bolt and cover where? It appears something should go into that threaded portion by the lever...is that what you are referring to?
 
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reddvltj said:
Here's a parts list for the boots and bezel you're missing. The lower boot isn't available through mopar any more.

https://www.mymoparparts.com/v-2003...nual-transmission-5-speed--gearshift-controlsView attachment 144136

https://www.mymoparparts.com/oem-pa...nbGVyJnk9MjAwMyZ0PXNwb3J0JmU9NC0wbC1sNi1nYXM=
https://www.mymoparparts.com/oem-pa...nbGVyJnk9MjAwMyZ0PXNwb3J0JmU9NC0wbC1sNi1nYXM=
Click to expand...

I found repops through amazon for the boot and bezel. Thanks so much.
Any idea of the bolt size required?
 
After installing the new boot, I understand now why it’s missing. For some reason the shifter is hitting the console. Upon further examination, it appears the entire transmission is tilted down. Is there anything like a shim kit that would level the transmission, which would push the shifter up and out of the way of the console?

1E6F7779-6E22-4B42-BAE0-B17C36F69773.jpeg


009CD39B-F2D0-4C05-887C-C1C1A5884111.jpeg


5A5546F6-8178-4C9E-92C9-DE1553D01A24.jpeg
 
Do you have a skid drop to help with driveline angles? That can be the problem. How's your trans mount look? It could be shot, letting the trans settle down lower into the skid.
Those would be my first 2 places to look. If you have the shifter hitting the console just loosen the console mounting screws and shift the console a bit. If everything else is right then hitting the floorplan with an angle grinder, dremel, tin snips
 
The shifter is hitting the console. I am very new to Jeeps and didn’t understand that this was a typical issue after a lift. I didn’t lift it so I know next to nothing about the lift.

I’m exploring the options of how to remedy this. I know I can move the console but it appears that’s just fixing a symptom and not a long term solution.
 
Midtenn said:
The shifter is hitting the console. I am very new to Jeeps and didn’t understand that this was a typical issue after a lift. I didn’t lift it so I know next to nothing about the lift.

I’m exploring the options of how to remedy this. I know I can move the console but it appears that’s just fixing a symptom and not a long term solution.
Click to expand...
You’re correct, this is a symptom of a transfer case drop, do you know how much lift you have? Also measure this dimension from the bottom of the frame to the skid plate. Do you have another picture of this from a wider angle?
F754CB83-8CB9-49AB-809E-30EC5D4E157B.jpeg
 
Thanks, your picture made it clear that I indeed do have a transfer case drop. The other images had pucks and since I didn’t see a puck, I completely missed this box.

the box is about 1.5” tall.

Using part numbers I could find, I have a 3.5” rough country lift. I currently have 35” tires and am actively trying to find some 33s to trade.

53F705AF-2DEE-4B59-BCE8-265B7F380601.jpeg


88F6DF89-6C58-411E-ACC3-8C2784FF3E58.jpeg


18CB314F-80A9-4E8E-BA60-A2AF30F158C1.jpeg
 
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Midtenn said:
Thanks, your picture made it clear that I indeed do have a transfer case drop. The other images had pucks and since I didn’t see a puck, I completely missed this box.

the box is about 1.5” tall.

Using part numbers I could find, I have a 3.5” rough country lift. I currently have 35” tires and am actively trying to find some 33s to trade.

View attachment 144733

View attachment 144734

View attachment 144735
Click to expand...
If you did a 1” motor mount lift you might be able to get rid of most of the drop which will fix your shifter issues you would have to raise your fan shroud 1” to match the motor mount lift.
 
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DrDmoney said:
If you did a 1” motor mount lift you might be able to get rid of most of the drop which will fix your shifter issues you would have to raise your fan shroud 1” to match the motor mount lift.
Click to expand...

Wouldn’t a motor mount lift increase the angle and tilt the transmission back even further, exacerbating the shifter location issue?

Are there any long term issues with removing the shifter and bending it with a brake?
 
Midtenn said:
Wouldn’t a motor mount lift increase the angle and tilt the transmission back even further, exacerbating the shifter location issue?

Are there any long term issues with removing the shifter and bending it with a brake?
Click to expand...
Re-read his comment, he said if you did a MM lift you could reduce the amount of transfer drop that you have, which would raise your transmission back up. ;)
 
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