If you have been thinking about a new shifter for your late-model Ford Mustang, we here at StangNet.com are proud to present this illustrated technical article that demonstrates the installation of a HURST short-throw shifter. This write-up gives a real-world overview and interpretation on how to install the shifter on a 2005 Ford Mustang GT. StangNet Staff member bigcat takes us on this journey to quicker shifts and bigger grins while rowing through the gears. Enjoy!

Tools required:10 mm wrench, 10 mm socket, 7mm socket, 13mm socket, ratchet, extension, phillips screwdriver, 7/32 allen, 9/16 wrench for jambnut (however, real world experience proved it was not a 9/16)

Read the instructions included with the shifter and make sure you fully understand all the details. If you have any questions, call the HURST help line. The phone number is in the instructions. If you still have concerns, have a professional install the shifter for you. This article is meant to serve only as a helpful guideline for installing an aftermarket shifter and in no way should be deemed the only method of installation.

Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height. Remember, you will need to have easy access to the underside AND the interior of the car during the install, so plan accordingly. Also remember to properly support the vehicle with jack stands. Gently pull the shift boot out of the retainer on the factory knob and slide it down the stick. Remove the factory shifter knob by turning the knob counterclockwise. Remove the shifter boot by lightly pressing on the sides of the boot, and pulling toward the center. It should easily release from the console. Pull boot up and over the shifter stick. Here are two pictures of the underside of the shifter boot, so you can see what the retaining tabs look like.

Once the shifter boot is removed, you can see the shifter dust seal.

Remove the shifter dust seal, by lightly pulling it up out of the shifter hole. The dust seal attaches to the body AND the shifter housing. After the seal is removed from the body, you will need to lightly pull the seal away from the shifter housing. Then lift the seal out of the opening.

Under the vehicle, remove the shift linkage retaining nut with a 13mm socket. Separate the linkage from the shifter.

Remove the 2 nuts from the rear mounting bracket using a 10mm deep socket and an extension. Remove the metal bracket from the bushing.

Remove the 10mm bolt from the front of the mounting arm. A ratcheting wrench is very helpful here, as it is a very tight fit.

With the linkage and mounting hardware removed from the shifter, position the shifter assembly to allow it to be removed from inside the car. You will be glad you removed the rear metal mounting bracket from the bushing already, as it gives you more room to maneuver the shifter assembly through the opening.

Place the shifter assembly on a workbench and remove the plastic bushings from the linkage mounting point. They just pull out. Lightly lubricate them and install both of them in the HURST assembly.

Next, remove the metal sleeves from the front mount. It may be easier to remove the rubber bushing and the sleeve as one unit, and then remove the sleeve from the rubber bushing. There are 2 sleeves, one for each side.

Install the sleeves into the HURST assembly. Don't install the rear metal mounting bracket yet, this will give you more room to work while installing the shifter assembly.

Once assembled, you can compare the Hurst shifter to the stock shifter.

Insert the HURST assembly into the shifter opening. If you leave the rear mounting bracket off, then it much easier to fit through the hole. Maneuver the shifter assembly through the hole and into position. A helper may be useful for this step.

Under the vehicle, loosely attach the front mount using the bolt you removed from the stock shifter assembly.

Reattach the rear metal mounting bracket onto the rear bushing and loosely install the nuts.

Lubricate the shift linkage stem. Reattach the shifter linkage. The offset side (long side) of the shifter base should be on the driver's side. Use thread locker to prevent the linkage nut from vibrating loose. Install the nut, but do not tighten it down quite yet. Tighten up the front and rear shifter mounting hardware. Be sure you don't over torque the rear mounting nuts to prevent breaking the studs. Now you can tighten the linkage nut.

Back in the car, reinstall the shifter dust seal. It may be easier to install if you remove the console.

CONSOLE REMOVAL: Remove the 2 screws from the top rear of the console, under the lid. Remove only the 2 outer Phillips screws. Gently pull up on the top of the console. There are four clips that should easily pop out, two in the middle, near cup holders, and two at the front. Lift the top of the console over the parking brake handle.

Remove the carpet from inside the storage compartment of the console. Remove the two 10mm nuts. Remove the two 7mm screws from the front of the console. Remove the console bottom half.

After the dust seal is installed and console is re-installed, attach the HURST handle with the supplied fasteners. The attaching hardware is 7/32" hex. Make sure the grooves on the shifter base engage with the grooves on the handle. Torque the bolts down using the specified torque in the instructions. Check the shifter's operation. Make sure it engages all gears and freely moves side to side in neutral. Make sure there is no binding in the linkage.

Install the shifter boot adapter by sliding it onto the HURST handle.

Install the shifter boot, securing it to the HURST stick and the console.

Install the jamb nut onto the HURST stick, and then install the shift knob. When you have the knob positioned to your preference, tighten the jamb nut.

After the installation, the shifts are much shorter and more precise. The shifter feels solid and well balanced, making shifts crisp. Some have complained of increased noise from the gearbox, but we noticed little to no increase. Each gear engages smoothly, with little effort. Adding a short throw shifter to your Ford Mustang will make driving a tad more exciting and will help you feel more confident in your shifting ability.