My first impression of the Hurst shifter.
My first impression of the Hurst shifter.
Yes, another Hurst thread, but... WOW!
Now THAT'S what a short throw shifter should be!!
I had a Steeda Tri-Ax in my '03 and it was nothing compared to this thing! The difference in the throw on the old Steeda compared to stock was just barely noticable. The Hurst, on the other hand is AMAZING! Talk about short!
I was expecting it to be harder to shift than my old Steeda, but it's MUCH easier. And combine that with the fact that I've gotten used to the wimpy, "built for a girl", shifter in the '05 and I just can't get over how easy it is to shift. And this is without any break-in period. I just installed it 45 minutes ago.
For those who say it's too stiff, either you got a bad one or maybe you're just not used to Mustangs (pre-'05) or short throw shifters.
I don't mean to offend anyone with that statement, it's just that we have a lot of first timers buying '05's and they are a LOT "softer" car to drive compared to previous Mustangs. i.e. shifter, clutch, etc.
(DISCLAIMER: I have never tried the Steeda for the '05+ Mustangs so really I'm comparing apples to oranges. I know nothing about the quality or performance of the new Steeda shifter.)
Now THAT'S what a short throw shifter should be!!
I had a Steeda Tri-Ax in my '03 and it was nothing compared to this thing! The difference in the throw on the old Steeda compared to stock was just barely noticable. The Hurst, on the other hand is AMAZING! Talk about short!
I was expecting it to be harder to shift than my old Steeda, but it's MUCH easier. And combine that with the fact that I've gotten used to the wimpy, "built for a girl", shifter in the '05 and I just can't get over how easy it is to shift. And this is without any break-in period. I just installed it 45 minutes ago.
For those who say it's too stiff, either you got a bad one or maybe you're just not used to Mustangs (pre-'05) or short throw shifters.

I don't mean to offend anyone with that statement, it's just that we have a lot of first timers buying '05's and they are a LOT "softer" car to drive compared to previous Mustangs. i.e. shifter, clutch, etc.
(DISCLAIMER: I have never tried the Steeda for the '05+ Mustangs so really I'm comparing apples to oranges. I know nothing about the quality or performance of the new Steeda shifter.)
Yes, I got the chrome handle and white ****.
IMO, the handle is a little too tall. I'd like it to be about 3/4" shorter. Maybe Hurst has something I can replace it with.
The ball is actually a LOT smaller than I thought it would be. I have small hands so it's not that bad, but I would think bigger guys wouldn't like it.
The absolute lowest price I found was from Speed Unlimited on eBay.
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Speed-...157950QQsofpZ0
168.88 +8.95 s/h It's model # 391-0201.
As far as I know none of them have stops. I was told the stops are built into the trans. Either way, there are stops in one or the other because there's a very solid feel at the end of the shift action. In fact, I've probably bruised the palm of my hand shifting into third. My hand still wants to keep pushing the shifter into it's old position so if I'm not thinking about it, I get a sudden jolt from trying to push it too far forward. Not complaining though. It's a good thing. Just have to relearn how to drive my car.
IMO, the handle is a little too tall. I'd like it to be about 3/4" shorter. Maybe Hurst has something I can replace it with.
The ball is actually a LOT smaller than I thought it would be. I have small hands so it's not that bad, but I would think bigger guys wouldn't like it.

The absolute lowest price I found was from Speed Unlimited on eBay.
http://search.stores.ebay.com/Speed-...157950QQsofpZ0
168.88 +8.95 s/h It's model # 391-0201.
As far as I know none of them have stops. I was told the stops are built into the trans. Either way, there are stops in one or the other because there's a very solid feel at the end of the shift action. In fact, I've probably bruised the palm of my hand shifting into third. My hand still wants to keep pushing the shifter into it's old position so if I'm not thinking about it, I get a sudden jolt from trying to push it too far forward. Not complaining though. It's a good thing. Just have to relearn how to drive my car.
There is a new Hurst shifter coming out soon and it will have stops in the shifter. You are correct that the trans has stops, but I would rather hit the shifter stops instead of the trans stops. Do you have any noise or vibration with your Hurst, I have read a lot of people are adding rubber shims.
Thanks for the correction. (part # 391-0200 & 319-0201 don't have the stops)
I have no vibrations at all. Not even the 2K rpm vibration.
Thanks to all the helpful info on TMS, I went ahead and put a rubber shim between the handle and the shifter during the install. Also, I used the factory rear bushing. (the one that attaches to the tunnel) Logically that seemed like a pretty good idea because it forces the shifter to move more with the transmission and not the body. This should prevent any misalignment during hard launches that torque the the motor/trans away from the body.
I did a noise check earlier with the windows up and the radio down. (even though I NEVER drive that way) The only noise I heard was shifting from 5th to N. It sounding like a pin or something dropping into place. Maybe something with the Reverse lockout?
Anyone else have this?
I have no vibrations at all. Not even the 2K rpm vibration.
Thanks to all the helpful info on TMS, I went ahead and put a rubber shim between the handle and the shifter during the install. Also, I used the factory rear bushing. (the one that attaches to the tunnel) Logically that seemed like a pretty good idea because it forces the shifter to move more with the transmission and not the body. This should prevent any misalignment during hard launches that torque the the motor/trans away from the body.
I did a noise check earlier with the windows up and the radio down. (even though I NEVER drive that way) The only noise I heard was shifting from 5th to N. It sounding like a pin or something dropping into place. Maybe something with the Reverse lockout?
Anyone else have this?
Well after the mis-hap with the B&M shifter, I went ahead and purchased the Hurst, I'm awaiting the dealer to call me to let me know the car is fixed with a whole new shifter assembly with a new tranny linkage. Soon as the car gets back, I am bolting on the Hurst! Its sitting patiently in my room to be put in.
I've got the Hurst as well. Love it. A couple issues:
Even though I used gasket material when I installed the chrome shifter arm to the shifter, the two allen bolts loosened up over time so the handle was jiggling. Something to watch out for.
The aluminum t-handle gets HOT in the sun. I mean HOT.
Even though I used gasket material when I installed the chrome shifter arm to the shifter, the two allen bolts loosened up over time so the handle was jiggling. Something to watch out for.
The aluminum t-handle gets HOT in the sun. I mean HOT.
Thanks. I was going to get the T-handle before I installed the shifter, but because I like the ball so much and because of your warning I think I'll keep it.
Did you use lock-tite on the allen bolts? The gasket is simply to reduce vibartions to your hand. It has nothing to do with helping the allen bolts stay in place.
Did you use lock-tite on the allen bolts? The gasket is simply to reduce vibartions to your hand. It has nothing to do with helping the allen bolts stay in place.
Originally Posted by StangNut
Thanks. I was going to get the T-handle before I installed the shifter, but because I like the ball so much and because of your warning I think I'll keep it.
Did you use lock-tite on the allen bolts? The gasket is simply to reduce vibartions to your hand. It has nothing to do with helping the allen bolts stay in place.
Did you use lock-tite on the allen bolts? The gasket is simply to reduce vibartions to your hand. It has nothing to do with helping the allen bolts stay in place.
Don't let my warning stop you from getting the t-handle. I love it! I just put a rag over it when I leave the car in the sun. I love the ball too, but the cool factor of the t-handle is enough for me to put up with the heat (or cold in winter).
Originally Posted by evilernie
Don't let my warning stop you from getting the t-handle. I love it!
Great! I just ordered the Hurst for my wife since her birthday is coming up. Do you have a part number for the t-handle? The fellow at the speed shop doesn't have a current Hurst catalog. Thanks!
I think they're pretty common. I remember seeing them at Autozone.
I've started shifting now by grabbing the whole handle so I'm thinking about getting a pistol grip. I always thought they looked stupid, but it's VERY comfortable shifting that way. Of course I'd have to get a MUCH shorter shifter handle.
I'm probably still going to pick up a T-handle. They're not that expensive and they look sooo cool.
I've started shifting now by grabbing the whole handle so I'm thinking about getting a pistol grip. I always thought they looked stupid, but it's VERY comfortable shifting that way. Of course I'd have to get a MUCH shorter shifter handle.
I'm probably still going to pick up a T-handle. They're not that expensive and they look sooo cool.
Last edited by StangNut; Feb 25, 2013 at 06:26 AM.
Originally Posted by rickoshay
Great! I just ordered the Hurst for my wife since her birthday is coming up. Do you have a part number for the t-handle? The fellow at the speed shop doesn't have a current Hurst catalog. Thanks!
I agree Hurts is the way too go!!!!!. I was thinking of the B&M shifter until Maverick had problems with his, and some other types but after review Hurst was seemed the way to go. The Hurst shifter has smooth precise short shifts, shorter than I expected. Installation was easy, less than an hour. I have no vibration or any other problems that I have heard out there and shift effort is not much more than stock. I love this shifter, exceeds all expectations. I recommend this for anyone who is considering what shifter to get, you will not be disappointed.
well after paying $350 to have my shifter repaired after the B&M snapped my tranny linkage, I ordered the Hurst. I picked up my car Thursday with the NEW stock shifter in it, man did that bring back memories. But what was really annoying was when I constantly pulled back on the shifter into 2nd or 4th gear, my elbow would either rub or constantly hit the arm rest. That hurt!
so came last night when I climbed under the car and bolted in the Hurst Shifter and all I can say is WOW!!! Much Much Much stronger! and the throw is awesome! This shifter is wayyyy better than the B&M!!! I like how Hurst re-used a lot of the stock parts and made the shifter look almost identical to the stock one. Hurst has done a fantastic job on this shifter and I'm amazed! The shifter however is a little more beefier than the B&M. Gotta really really put into third gear, but I love the feeling.
Kuddos to the Hurst Shifter!!
so came last night when I climbed under the car and bolted in the Hurst Shifter and all I can say is WOW!!! Much Much Much stronger! and the throw is awesome! This shifter is wayyyy better than the B&M!!! I like how Hurst re-used a lot of the stock parts and made the shifter look almost identical to the stock one. Hurst has done a fantastic job on this shifter and I'm amazed! The shifter however is a little more beefier than the B&M. Gotta really really put into third gear, but I love the feeling.
Kuddos to the Hurst Shifter!!
I used a little clear silicone sealant between the two chrome halves, then after it was torqued, put some on the treaded portion as a kind of lock tite.
Oh, yea No vibrations and I got mine from Brenspeed, it was at the time 189.99 and free shipping. I wish Bren had been selling JLT products at the time.
Oh, yea No vibrations and I got mine from Brenspeed, it was at the time 189.99 and free shipping. I wish Bren had been selling JLT products at the time.
Glad you finally got your car back, Maverick! Don't ya just love that shifter!
I still hope someone finds out if there's a shorter handle that will fit this shifter though. I never had a problem with my elbow hitting the console so a handle that put the **** somewhere between the stock height and the Hurst height would be great!
Still haven't picked up a T-handle. Lovin' the "cue ball". I'm glad Hurst made it smaller than their regular ball.
I still hope someone finds out if there's a shorter handle that will fit this shifter though. I never had a problem with my elbow hitting the console so a handle that put the **** somewhere between the stock height and the Hurst height would be great!
Still haven't picked up a T-handle. Lovin' the "cue ball". I'm glad Hurst made it smaller than their regular ball.
Not too hijack the thread too much but I was told by the guys that put my springs on that Hurst had to recall the classic shifter as it wasn't supposed to be sold to the public. Anyone know if this is true?
Haven't heard anything about a recall, however when the shifter first came out the instructions were wrong. They had the shaft turned around backwards, but that's been corrected.



