Hey gearheads! Ever wanted to upgrade your driving experience and get a more connected feel with your Mitsubishi Lancer? Well, installing a short shifter is one of the best ways to do that. It reduces the throw distance of your gear stick, making shifts quicker, more precise, and frankly, a lot more fun! Today, we're diving deep into how to install a short shifter on your Ice Lancer. Don't worry, it's totally doable even if you're not a seasoned mechanic. Just follow along, and you'll be rowing through gears like a pro in no time.

Why Install a Short Shifter?

Before we get our hands dirty, let's talk about why you'd even want a short shifter. The stock shifter on your Lancer, while functional, can feel a bit...vague, especially if you're used to driving something sportier. The throws are often long, which means you have to move the gear stick a significant distance between each gear change. This can make shifts feel slow and less direct.

A short shifter fixes this by reducing the distance you need to move the gear stick. Think of it like this: Imagine trying to throw a ball a long distance versus a short distance. The shorter the distance, the quicker and more controlled your throw. A short shifter gives you that same kind of control over your gear changes. You'll experience quicker shifts, a more direct feel, and a more engaging driving experience. Plus, it just looks cooler! Seriously, the shorter throw and the more precise feel can transform how you interact with your car. This upgrade is especially noticeable during spirited driving, allowing for faster gear changes and keeping you more focused on the road ahead. Whether you're cruising around town or hitting the track (or just pretending to be on the track), a short shifter is a fantastic upgrade. The immediate improvement in shift feel makes it worth the effort for both casual drivers and those who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience. It’s also a relatively inexpensive modification compared to other performance upgrades, making it an excellent bang-for-your-buck modification.

Tools and Parts You'll Need

Alright, guys, let's gather our supplies. Here's a list of everything you'll need to tackle this project. Having all your tools ready beforehand makes the installation process much smoother. No one likes having to stop mid-project because they're missing a socket or wrench. This is also important because it prevents damage or injuries due to using improper tools. Make sure to have a well-lit and ventilated workspace, too. Safety first, always!

Parts:

• Short Shifter Kit: This is the star of the show! Make sure you get a kit specifically designed for your Mitsubishi Lancer. There are several brands out there, so do some research and choose one that fits your budget and preferences. Check reviews and make sure the kit is compatible with your specific model year. This often includes a new shifter arm, bushings, and sometimes even a new shift knob.
• New Bushings (Optional but Recommended): While your short shifter kit might come with bushings, it's often a good idea to replace the stock ones at the same time. This will further improve shift feel and eliminate any slop or play in the shifter. Consider purchasing high-quality polyurethane bushings for increased durability and performance.

Tools:

• Socket Set and Wrenches: A comprehensive set of sockets and wrenches, including metric sizes, is essential. You'll need these to remove and install various bolts and nuts. Having both sockets and wrenches allows you to work from various angles. Make sure you have a range of sizes, including those that fit the bolts and nuts of your specific vehicle.
• Screwdrivers (Flathead and Phillips): You'll need these to remove interior trim pieces and other components.
• Pliers: For removing clips, cotter pins, and other small fasteners.
• Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specifications. Over-tightening can damage parts, while under-tightening can lead to looseness and potential failure. Consult your Lancer's service manual for the proper torque specs.
• Jack and Jack Stands: You'll need these to safely lift and support your car.
• Wheel Chocks: For added safety, chock the rear wheels while working on the front.
• Gloves: To keep your hands clean and prevent cuts.
• Penetrating Oil (like WD-40): This can be helpful for loosening stubborn bolts.
• Shop Rags: For wiping up spills and keeping things clean.
• Flashlight: To see in those hard-to-reach places.
• Optional: Trim Removal Tools: These plastic tools can help you remove interior trim pieces without scratching them.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Now for the fun part! This is where we get to put everything together. Remember to take your time, double-check your work, and don't force anything. If something doesn't seem to fit right, stop and re-evaluate. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Refer to your short shifter kit's instructions as a supplement to this guide, and if anything seems unclear, consult a professional mechanic. If you have any problems or are unsure, do not hesitate to seek help from a qualified mechanic.

1. Safety First!
   • Park your Lancer on a level surface. Engage the parking brake. Chock the rear wheels. This prevents any accidental rolling. Never work under a car supported only by a jack; always use jack stands.
2. Disconnect the Battery
   • Disconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery. This will prevent any electrical shorts while you're working. Safety first, as always!
3. Raise the Car and Remove the Center Console
   • Jack up the front of your Lancer and securely support it with jack stands. You'll need enough space to comfortably work under the car. This usually involves removing the center console. Use your screwdrivers and any trim removal tools to carefully pry off the trim pieces. Keep track of all the screws and clips; it’s really easy to lose them.
4. Remove the Shift Knob
   • Unscrew the shift knob from the gear stick. Some knobs are secured with a set screw, so you may need an Allen wrench to loosen it. If your car has a leather boot around the shifter, carefully detach it from the center console. There may be clips or a retaining ring holding it in place.
5. Access the Shifter Mechanism (From Inside the Car)
   • From inside the car, you should be able to see the base of the shifter mechanism. There will be some bolts or nuts holding the shifter assembly to the chassis. You may need a flashlight to see everything clearly. Carefully remove these fasteners, making sure to support the shifter assembly as you do so, to prevent it from dropping.
6. Unbolt the Shifter Linkage (From Under the Car)
   • Now, you'll need to go under the car. Locate the shifter linkage, which connects the gear stick to the transmission. There will be some bolts or clips securing the linkage to the transmission. With your wrench or pliers, carefully remove these fasteners. Take note of how the linkage is connected before you remove it; this will help you put everything back together correctly.
7. Remove the Shifter Assembly
   • With the linkage and bolts removed, the shifter assembly should now come out. It might be a tight fit, so you may need to wiggle it a bit. Pull the old shifter assembly out of the car. If your kit includes new bushings, remove the old ones from the shifter assembly. Clean the area where the bushings sit.
8. Install the New Short Shifter
   • Install the new short shifter assembly, following the instructions provided with your kit. This usually involves attaching the new shifter arm to the base, inserting the new bushings (if applicable), and tightening all the bolts to the specified torque. Make sure everything is aligned correctly.
9. Reconnect the Shifter Linkage
   • Go back under the car and reconnect the shifter linkage to the new short shifter assembly. Make sure the linkage is properly seated and secured with the bolts or clips you removed earlier.
10. Test the Shifter
    • Before putting everything back together, test the shifter to ensure it's working correctly. Try shifting through all the gears. Make sure the shifts are smooth and the gear stick doesn't hit anything. It's really important to do this step to catch any problems before you button everything up.
11. Reassemble Everything
    • Once you're sure everything is working, reassemble the center console, shift knob, and any other trim pieces you removed. Double-check that all bolts and screws are properly tightened.
12. Lower the Car
    • Carefully lower the car back to the ground.
13. Reconnect the Battery
    • Reconnect the negative terminal of your car's battery.
14. Final Test Drive
    • Take your Lancer for a test drive! Get a feel for the new shifter. You should notice a significant improvement in shift feel. Enjoy the quicker, more precise gear changes!

Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, things don't go perfectly the first time. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you if you run into problems:

• Shifter is Stiff: If the shifter is difficult to move, check that the linkage is properly aligned and that the bolts are not over-tightened. Make sure the new bushings are properly lubricated. In some cases, you might need to adjust the linkage slightly.
• Gears are Hard to Engage: This could indicate an issue with the linkage alignment or that the new shifter is not compatible with your transmission. Double-check all connections and consult the instructions. You may need to readjust the linkage.
• Shift Knob is Loose: Make sure the shift knob is securely tightened. If it's still loose, you might need to apply thread locker to the threads.
• Check for Noise: Unusual noises could mean the linkage or bushings are hitting parts of the car. If the noise does not go away, check the install to make sure everything is installed properly.

Final Thoughts

Installing a short shifter is a rewarding upgrade that can significantly improve your driving experience. By following these steps and taking your time, you can successfully install a short shifter on your Ice Lancer and enjoy quicker, more precise shifts. Always remember safety first, and don't hesitate to seek help from a qualified mechanic if you're unsure about any part of the process. Happy shifting, and enjoy the ride!