• February 10, 2009
• Category: DIY, Subaru
• Written By: Chris
• No Comments

This is a topic that hasn’t been written about all too much since the CT instructions are pretty detailed and easy to follow. However; there are some tips and tricks to making the whole things go more smoothly. I’ll follow our typical DIY set up with the tools you need etc.. and step by step instructions, however in some spots I’ll just urge you to read the CT instructions. If you have additional questions feel free to post a comment!

 

Tools Required:
CT provided tool for removing the white ball at the end of the shifter
Phillips Head screw driver
hair dryer
pliers
Vaseline

Step 1: Removal of the center console. Open the top pocket just below the radio, then place your hands on either side inside the console and pull straight back, once the pocket is free remove the LED clipped to the top and set the pocket aside.

Using your hair dryer warm the outer edges (top, left, right, bottom) of the center console trim, this will make the plastic more supple and less prone to cracking. Once the plastic is warm open up the bottom pocket then press your fingers against the top ledge of the center console and pinch in towards yourself and gently pull up. Once these clips pop free slide your fingers down the side of the console gently releasing the rest of the clips. Now reach under the front and disconnect the seat warmer harnesses.

Remove the shift knob, you’ll need to use your pliers to hold the lock nut still while you twist the shift knob. Be sure to wrap the ends of your pliers in a few layers of duct tape to make sure you leave no unsightly scratches behind. Now the center console with the shift boot should slide right off, you will need to disconnect a small metal clip at the base of the e-brake boot to get the boot off with the console.

Using your phillips head screw driver unscrew the 4 screws holding the bottom pocket in place, then all 6 of the screws holding down the center console. Now open the bottom drawer of the armrest, remove the non-skid insert and unscrew the two phillips screws holding it down. Once all of the screws are removed slide your fingers under the back of the armrest and pull up and back towards the passenger seat and the center console is now removed.

Step 2: Removal of the shifter. Refer to the CT diagrams for this step, however you will most likely have to cut the zip ties holding the cables to the side of it, just user regular zip ties to attach those cables when you reinstall to prevent little rattles. Also the large U shaped bracket at the front of the shifter will require you to use your pliers, remove it while gently pulling up and wiggling side to side.

Step 3: Removal of the white ball and install of the CT short shifter adapter. Now that the shifter is sitting in your lap you need to remove that white ball at the base of the shifter. Heat the ball with your hair dryer and then use the CT provided tool for its removal, careful it could just pop off into the air and if you loose it you’ll need to get a new one. Now to install the CT adapter, wipe down the stock shifter with the Loctite that CT provides, now slide the CT adapter on to the end and push until you hear a little click, then tighten the hex wrench screws with the hex key CT provides. Now heat the white ball again and apply vaseline to the ball on the end of the CT adapter, now snap the ball back on.

Step 4: Re-install. Just follow the CT instructions and these in reverse and you’re good to go, enjoy your 38% reduction in throw.

If you have questions feel free to post up a comment, I’ll do my best to answer all of your questions. If you found this pose useful or helpful please use the social bookmark links below and share this post with your friends!