Aftermarket shifters for TKO600

rodneym · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 11:01 AM

Steeda? Pro 5.0? The MGW looks beautiful too but way too chunky of a design.

Also, can they be installed thru the trans tunnel?

Thanks.

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 11:20 AM

I think the Steeda Tri-Ax is about the best shifter out there for a TKO 500/600. I get a lot of good feedback from my customers.

rodneym · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 11:32 AM

Brent,
Do you think it can be installed thru the shifter hole?

blykins · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 11:34 AM

Well, I've never tried. You need to lay sealant down around the trans before you bolt it up, so I don't know if you could or not...

rodneym · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 11:47 AM

Thanks, Brent. It's just that now that I counter sprung the fork and T/O to not touch the fingers, no more noises! So no immediate plans of removal.

Anyone else ever try?

cobrakiwi · #6 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 12:20 PM

What's wrong with the tko shifter?
There could be a problem else where, I have fixed a few tko box shifting problems and I can say it was not the shifters fault.
I think the standard shifter works great when setup right.

lovehamr · #7 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 12:21 PM

Rodneym, mine is a BDR so take this for what it's worth. The last time I pulled mine I did so through the tunnel but most of the bolts still had to be done/undone from underneath. So to re-cap, it'll probably fit through the opening but you probably won't be able to get to all the bolts that way.

jhv48 · #8 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 12:23 PM

What he said! The problems with the TKO shifting are not in the shifter.

Have the Trans blueprinted next time its out and it will shift like a dream with the stock shifter.

rodneym · #9 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 12:43 PM

It's an '09 TKO600 and shifted like a tractor since day one. Maybe it's not broken in yet? (7k miles

)
I know they don't all shift like that, but my experience is that the later ones shift great and the ones from years ago are hit and miss. Plus, Tremec changed the shifter since '09. And if it's an easy project...

cobrakiwi · #10 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 01:07 PM

Good point, 7k miles! I would give it 7k more then report back!

blykins · #11 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 01:09 PM

Tremec transmissions suffer from tolerance variations, just like every other manufactured part.

They usually shift pretty good up until about 6000, then they need some lovin'.

If you're used to a T5, T45, or Toploader, then you're outta luck...hahaha

The factory shifter is pretty lacking. The aftermarket shifters are shorter throw, with a more firm movement. They also have adjustable stops.

An aftermarket shifter will improve your trans a bit, but if you're trying to shift it quickly above 6000, then we offer internal upgrades for that.

rodneym · #12 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 03:45 PM

I'm not looking for easier shifts above 6000. Just a better feel overall.

blykins · #13 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 04:05 PM

I think you'd like it...

Dwight · #14 (**permalink**) 12-05-2014, 06:57 PM

I started with a TKO and bought a aftermarket shifter which made a little differents. When I had 12,000 miles on it I sold it and bought a TKO600.
I have about 30,000 miles on the TKO 600. It was hard to shift when new. Got better when I had about 5,000 miles on it. But when I try to shift fast from 2nd to 3th I would miss 3th. Sometime last year it got so bad that I contacted Liberty Gears. They did a street upgrade for a little over $300.

I love it! Can not miss third even if I'm trying. If I buy a TKO it will have the street upgrade before I put it into a car.

When I say "fast shift" I mean I let off the gas and I use the clutch to shift.
Before I had to shift to 5th in a H pattern, now I just push the shifter a little to the right and forward. I never miss 5th. Fast and easy.
Yep I like this trannie.

It took us 1/2 to tear down the trannie and 2 hrs to put it together.

Dwight

below is the email from Liberty Gears;

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++
Hello,

I prepared a list of what needs to be sent back as well as what we need to complete your surface enhancements.

Returns: 1st Gear (missing stops)

2nd Gear

3rd Gear

4th F/P Cone

Top Cover Complete (3/4 fork and rail mod)

½ & ¾ Faceplate Sliders

Parts to Upgrade: Stock ½ & ¾ Hubs

Stock ½ & ¾ Sliders

4th Syncro Cone

We are replacing your 1st through 3rd Gears, replacing the ¾ Fork and Rail, and then metal enhancements on gears, syncro’s, hubs and sliders.

If you have questions or comments please feel free to contact me by replying to this message or calling. I believe we will be sending you a return label as well to cover freight, you should receive it within a day.

Thank you,

J.Jensen · #15 (**permalink**) 12-06-2014, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blykins

An aftermarket shifter will improve your trans a bit, but if you're trying to shift it quickly above 6000, then we offer internal upgrades for that.

Does the upgrades help for downshifts as well, or are they more drag use upgrades?

Do the Toploaders also suffer from tough shifts above 6krpm?

blykins · #16 (**permalink**) 12-06-2014, 10:46 AM

Street modifications, helps up shifting and downshifting both.

Toploaders will shift easy anywhere, as long as you're using the correct gear oil.

sea2jet · #17 (**permalink**) 12-06-2014, 11:28 AM

Brent,
I have an ERA with a stock TKO 600. Will the shift handle Bolt right on the Steeda ? When you bolt the new shift assembly to the transmission, do you use some kind of sealer or gasket? Thanks. Mike

blykins · #18 (**permalink**) 12-06-2014, 11:37 AM

Yes, the handle will bolt on. I use a sealant, no gasket.

MJJ · #19 (**permalink**) 12-06-2014, 04:08 PM

Call George at MGW and have a conversation before purchasing. It will allow you to have all perspectives before finalizing your decision.