ix dssr shifter install

[Mikealwa]

I bought the garagistic dssr for the ix, shifter bushing kit and z3 1.9 shifter. I've seen old threads on the topic, but I want to confirm, doni need to drop the t case to do this, is it easier to drop the trans and t case as a unit instead?

[Mikealwa]

The info is in other forums and maybe deep in some old ones here, but if any ix drivers are curious the answer is yes, exhaust, driveshafts and transfer case must come down to replace the shifter linkage.

As usual a $150 shifter linkage upgrade turned into exhaust manifold studs replacements, driveshaft lubrication and transfer case bushing replacement 🙂.

[82eye]

The info is in other forums and maybe deep in some old ones here, but if any ix drivers are curious the answer is yes, exhaust, driveshafts and transfer case must come down to replace the shifter linkage.

As usual a $150 shifter linkage upgrade turned into exhaust manifold studs replacements, driveshaft lubrication and transfer case bushing replacement .

oh well at least it's done and the new stuff is future proofing.

[Mikealwa]

Highly unlikely but anyone have experience with the 80a poly transfer case bushing by garagistic? I bought it, but now have doubts. I'm tempted to just throw it in and say screw it. I have new stock rubber engine mounts. This car is just for fun, if anything I'm more worried about damage to components from vibration vs nvh, unless it's terrible.

[baovehcm]

Hey! I’ve done a similar setup before.
Yes, you’ll likely need to drop the transfer case to get proper access to the shifter linkage — space is super tight otherwise.
For many, it’s actually easier to drop the trans and t-case as a unit, especially if you’re doing multiple upgrades at once. Just be sure to support everything properly and label your connections.

[Mikealwa]

Thanks for the info! My clutch feels great and I can't justify removing the trans and not replacing the clutch, throw out bearing and rear main seal, so I might try to just remove the TC to keep this project moving and save money and tackle those things later. Is it a johnny cash song about stealing a Cadillac one piece at a time? That's how I feel fixing things on this car, one thing always turns into another and before I know it it'll be all brand knee, but that's the plan, just not all at once.

[Mikealwa]

I bought new seals for the transfer case as I had to drop it for the dssr install. Is this an issue? Seems like a beyond half ass way to ship a gasket, I have it in a book for now lol.
PXL_20250501_153146315 by Mike Ai, on Flickr

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From ecs SMH

[Mikealwa]

In case any IX guys do this.

I had to drop the TC.
PXL_20250501_190232808 by Mike i, on Flickr

Honestly, might be easier to drop the trans and TC as a unit.

I had to use this contraption to unbolt the top bolts for the TC to the Trans, I'm not looking forward to getting it back in.
PXL_20250429_195636088 by Mike ui, on Flickr
New vs old shift selector
PXL_20250429_211724414 by Mike i, on Flickr
The garagistic DSSR for the IX doesnt fit, at least my car without interfering with the shifter carrier. I couldn't shift into 2 or 4. So i had to mark it with sharpie and dremel down a lot of material where it was rubbing to get it to fit. They must not have an IX to test fit these items to.

PXL_20250430_211058653 by Mike ui, on FlickrPXL_20250430_202615047 by Mike Aui, on Flickr

In the end feels pretty good with all new poly shifter bushings. I also got a Z3 1.9 shifter and a taller knob to bring it up a bit.
PXL_20250501_190156889 by Mike i, on Flickr
PXL_20250501_190244156 by Mike qui, on Flickr