How to Install a Short Throw Shifter on an SN95 Mustang

Installing a short throw shifter in your 1994-2004 SN95 Mustang is a cheap and easy way to make it more fun to drive. Even if you don't have much experience with mods, the installation is pretty easy. Follow our step-by-step instructions and you'll be enjoying tighter gear shifts and faster acceleration in your SN95 Mustang in no time.

Short Throw Shifter Installation for 1994-2004 Mustangs

For this installation, we're using the popular Steeda Tri-Ax short throw shifter. It's got three adjustment options for the handle height, a heavy-duty build, and adjustable stops so you never miss a gear again.

Tools and Supplies:

Step 1: Remove Shifter Knob

First, you'll need to twist off the knob on your current Ford Mustang shifter. Twist counter-clockwise by hand until the knob is removed.

Step 2: Release Shifter Boot

Pull up around the edges of the shifter molding with two hands to remove it.

Pro Tip: Make sure to unplug the lighter from the port connector behind the shifter boot.

Step 3: Unbolt Factory Shift Handle

Using a ratchet, unscrew the 10 mm bolts around the factory shift handle.

Step 4: Remove Lower Boot

Unscrew the four 8 mm bolts holding the lower boot in place using a ratchet. Once the screws are removed, you'll need to turn the boot slightly to get it around the console. The whole boot can be pulled out once it's jostled free from the console.

Step 5: Remove Stock Shifter

Your SN95's stock shifter is connected to the transmission by 4 bolts. Remove these bolts with a ratchet. The shifter is also held in place by factory silicon sealant. Tapping the shifter with a rubber hammer a few times should loosen the shifter enough to remove it.

Step 6: Switch Plastic Cup to New Shifter

There's a small plastic cap between the transmission and the stock shifter. Pop this plastic cap off and install it on your replacement shifter at the same location.

Step 7: Remove Residue

There'll most likely be excess material on the surface of your old shifter. Use a gasket scraper or a razor blade to remove any residue.

Step 8: Apply New Silicon Layer

Put down a layer of silicon to help anchor the new shifter before installation.

Step 9: Install New Shifter

Place the new shifter on your silicon layer. Tighten the new bolts that came with your shifter with a ratchet to secure it.

Step 10: Adjust 3rd Gear Stops

Push in the clutch and put your new shifter into 3rd gear. Loosen the bolt on the side of the shifter until it touches the shifter shaft. Once it touches, move the bolt about a quarter of a turn away from the shifter so there's a small gap between the two. Once the bolt is in place, tighten down the lock nut to secure it.

Step 11: Adjust 2nd Gear Stops

Push in the clutch and put the shifter into 2nd gear. Repeat process from step 10 for the 2nd gear position.

Step 12: Install Boot Guard

The boot guard is a small washer that comes with your shifter. Slide this washer over the shifter shaft and into position.

Step 13: Reinstall Factory Lower Boot

Put the factory hardware back on by sliding it over the new shifter shaft and pressing it into place. Use the previously removed factory bolts to reinstall the boot.

Step 14: Install Shifter Handle

The shifter handle can be installed at three different heights. Choose whichever position is most comfortable and insert the handle screws into the corresponding holes. Tighten bolts once inserted.

Step 15: Reinstall Upper Boot

Slide plastic molding for the upper boot back into the console. Snap it into place.

Pro Tip: Remember to plug your cigarette lighter back in.

Step 16: Reinstall Shifter Knob

Screw your shifter knob back into position and tighten by hand.

Congratulations, you're all done!

Get Even More Out of Your SN95 Mustang with Transmission Upgrades

Now that you've installed your new 1994 - 2004 Mustang short throw shifter, you'll have way more fun driving your SN95 Mustang with quick and responsive shifts. Short throw shifters aren't the only way to make your driving experience better though. Upgrading your Mustang's clutch can make your transmission even smoother. Shifters are just the tip of the iceburg when it comes to upgrading your SN95's transmission. Check out more possibilities here at CJ's.