The installation instructions on Pelican Parts for replacing shifter bushings or installing a short shifter says you can do it without removing the driveshaft.... Looking up in there, it looks like it would be an absolute bitch to do without removing the driveshaft. Has anyone done it, and what are your comments? Would the whole process from beginning to end be easier by removing it, even though you actually have to do the work of removing the driveshaft and probably the exhaust?
It's less of a hassle to remove it than to try and work around it.
Driveshaft removal isnt that tough if you just remove the front half. That's all you need to remove to do the shifter bushings.
I did it with the drive shaft in, if I did it again I would probably remove it. Either way though, wear goggles because stuff will fall in your eyes.
I have. PITA but possible.
Whatever you decide to do it will be worth it. I just did mine and you can't believe the difference it makes.
It's a PITA but doable. Make sure to wear something to protect your eyes from dirt.
yeah like the rest said it is possible. not easy but it is possible.
the driveshaft is more than easy to remove, get alot of wd40!
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Not that hard if you know your way around in there. If its your first time I would recommend removing the driveshaft. Not difficult.
I did it without removing the shaft too. It was really easy for me though??
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I tried, decided it wasn't worth it, and just waited for a month until I changed my clutch… did it then without the tranny or the driveshaft in the way. Very easy.
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Suspension Overhaul FAQ
its really not hard to take the driveshaft out. I would just go that route. Probably take more time, but i would find it less aggrivating.
I Haters.
present: 1985 318i 2.7i swap!; 1987 Lachsilber 325 (totaled )
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I edited my past list because its just gotten too damn long. The ones listed are the cars that i Truly loved, which includes every BMW i've ever owned.
Its doable, my indy did it with the shaft in, but like everyone said for us itd be easier with it off.
if you are going through the trouble of replacing your bushings, you should go ahead and install a short shifter. It will make it a totally different car. I changed my shifter in a ditch with the drive shaft in. its not that hard, you just have to do it by touch, because you can't actually see anything really. But it is a lot easier than it seems.
Revived my thread from a couple months ago, eh?
I've installed a SSK and replaced the bushings since then, and I definitely removed the driveshaft. Like others said, it wasn't that hard to remove the driveshaft, and it made the job a lot easier. It also gave me the opportunity to replace my guibo.
piece of cake use your spider sense
i am about to put my short throw back in my car. first time, i did it with the drive shaft in. second time, screw that. i'm dropping the shaft. it was a serious pain. my spidey sense never tingled, just my knuckles as i wrapped them on everything
'03 530I M Sport black/black five speed
I have done it but it is a pain. Wear goggles and some parts will be easier than others. I recommend taking the DS out.
Its not that bad at all. Go for it
Is it necessary to remove the exhaust as well? Or removing the front half of the drive shaft enuf?
I just did it this past weekend. I just unbolted the guibo and slid the shaft back. I also unbolted the rear transmission cross member to lower the transmission a bit.
It was easy after that.
I didn't remove the exhaust. The exhaust wasn't in the way and it was a convenient place to rest the drive shaft.
Last edited by pizzaman09; 01-23-2019 at 05:07 PM.
Current fleet:
1999 BMW e36 M3
1999 BMW e36 328is with rotary valve engine head
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1962 Austin Healey Sprite
I will note that it would have been nice if the drive shaft would have slid back another 2mm. Then the pilot bushing in the center of the guibo would have cleared. I needed a screwdriver to pry it slightly out and then back in.
Current fleet:
1999 BMW e36 M3
1999 BMW e36 328is with rotary valve engine head
1999 Oldsmobile Eighty Eight
1990 Jeep Comanche Eliminator
1962 Austin Healey Sprite
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