Removed my Rock Crusher shifter handle today.

Goldmember · May 11, 2008

And did Paul's "stupid rattling shifter" fix at the same time... well, a variation of it, anyway.

***Yes I'm selling the Rock Crusher handle... PM me if interested.

First, why did I yank the Rock Crusher? I'll say this- like advertised, it's outstanding as far as ease of use- you really can hit every gear without ever taking your elbow off of the console. It's also an incredibly well-finished, good-looking handle, and very light in spite of its size. No heavier than a Tri-Ax handle.

What didn't I like? The throws really do get longer... felt like a stock shifter, sloppier and more vague. I run a Pro 5.0 BTW...

So I put the Pro 5.0 handle back on. Much better :thumb: I used red Loctite on the bolt threads (shifter handle--shifter) so they won't back out (also using lock washers).

Also put my Cobrabob gasket on today, as well as new bolts for the shifter-->trans housing. Used a little red Loctite on the bolt threads. I changed the trans fluid about 6 months ago (~7K miles) and it was a very faded red/silver?

When I started it up though I had a LOT more noise up through the trans- in Neutral even- and I have intermittent noise through the shifter I can't figure out.

Shit.

Um...help?! haha Trans still shifts as smooth as it did before

Paul · May 11, 2008

Glad the rattling shifter fix worked well for you.

As far as the trans - be nice to it, and start saving your money. LOL

Goldmember · May 11, 2008

LOL... that's what I was afraid of

Interesting that it shifts fine though... My dad thinks maybe it was some crap in the shift rail.

I want to change it over to Synchromesh later on (probably this summer). When I changed the fluid last fall it was pitch-black and silver...

Goldmember · May 12, 2008

Had it out again this morning after having a bad dream about blowing the trans. LOL I blame Paul... :rollinglaugh:

Car is running A-OK no funny business with the trans. I guess high-mileage T45's are just noisy little bastards. I don't beat on it all the time, it's my DD so I can't afford breakage. Then again, who has a V8 Mustang and doesn't catch second gear rubber every now and again! :thumb:

Cobrabob's gasket definitely quelled some of the vibration through the shifter, as it is advertised to do. I think the heavy Pro 5.0 handle helped to absorb more still. Haven't had much seat time in it yet but will report back as I do.

scarface · May 12, 2008

did you have any noise before the rock crusher? I get alot of noise from my Tri ax, but it goes away when I put the stock shifter on.

Goldmember · May 12, 2008

I actually had less noise with Pro 5.0/Pro 5.0 handle than with the Pro 5.0/Rockcrusher or Pro 5.0/Triax. I think it's because of how "heavy" the Pro 5.0 handle is vs. say the Tri-Ax and the Rockcrusher (I have used both of them too). I think the heavier Pro 5.0 handle also allows for firmer, more positive gear changes than the other two handles. Of the three I liked the Tri-ax the least.

Did an oil change and drove it some more today, I'd say it's back to normal all around. Much better!

scarface · May 12, 2008

good deal...I was afraid that RC handle was gonna make it shift like a truck.

Goldmember · May 12, 2008

Scarface said:
good deal...I was afraid that RC handle was gonna make it shift like a truck.

I wouldn't quite say truck, but it did do a pretty fair imitation of my '95 Camry. My advice to anyone considering this handle, it's a great novelty piece especially for cruise-ins and whatnot but I hated driving with it. Couldn't get used to it.