Just installed NST SSK on the girlfriend's '09, now its hard to shift

[Astroman]

Wow, what a easy tool less mod! I've been wanting to do the SSK mod for a while, but finally found a good deal and got one for the girl's car.

Install went well (Thanks Andy @ subcompactculture.com for the great guide), throws are MUCH shorter now, I like it. But, it's tough getting it to go into 1st or 2nd gear, the rest seem OK. I think the car was in 1st gear when I did the install. Feels kinda like it's binding a bit.

Does this wear off? Or did I do something wrong? Seems pretty straightforward, and I followed Andy's guide.

Note: The SSK I purchased from another member must be a newer one from NST, as it already had the adjustment so no filing needed to fit the '09.

[marcus]

its normal.. just have to get use to it.

[PETERPOOP]

Yah. If you think that is rough, don't install the cable bushings.

[cali yaris]

Not all 09's are a fitment problem. Toyota now uses two sources so the SSK may or may not fit any given car. I don't think NST changed the design.

Binding has been resolved in a couple of ways. I think H3llion did it by bending the linkage a little to line up better.

[thebarber]

i took mine out because i didnt like the shifter feel once installed (and my wife HATED it)

[90tsi]

i love the "rachet" feel in mine. feels a little more sporty imo. i had to mod mine outta my 07' to fit my 09'

[minnyar]

After adding the linkage bushings and the NST SSK2, I no longer like the feel, the NST SSK1 will be coming out.

[Astroman]

Well, it's not going away on its own, so I'll have to try bending it a little to see if that helps. If not, look for a FS thread soon as the GF hates it right now.

Wish I would have known, I love NST's stuff, but I never heard about this problem.

[jkuchta]

Try changing her fluid to redline MT-90. It makes a pretty big differance in the smoothness of shifting...and also makes getting into first and reverse a lot easier.

I have both ssk's and the bushings installed, and I've been running the MT-90 for about 40,000 miles (changed twice) and shifting is much better than stock.


Also, the shifting may feel a little rougher because you have to be more accurate with your movements to get the shifter into its "gate", as the reduced throw effectively reduces the size of the "slot" for each gear.

[Thirty-Nine]

Originally Posted by 90tsi

i love the "rachet" feel in mine. feels a little more sporty imo. i had to mod mine outta my 07' to fit my 09'

I feel the same way.

[YotaYaris]

hmmm, mixed opinions......but seems to blow on the 09ers