nanotech
Active Member
- Thread starter
- #1
Like many of us with MT-82 equipped cars, I've experienced my fair share of shifting issues such as the 1-2 and 2-3 nibbles, the notchy feel, and so forth. I've been researching the various options to improve or replace the shifter assembly in my 2015 EcoBoost, and decided to start with the simplest item first. It's well known that the OEM shifter bushing is made of extremely soft rubber, contributing to the vague, imprecise behavior of the factory shifter. While there are a lot of forum members who have tried or are currently using a shifter bushing and aluminum bracket from a popular Mustang tuner, I've heard mixed reviews. I recently found that Energy Suspension was making a replacement polyurethane shifter bushing that reused the OEM bracket to save cost. I ended up ordering the Energy bushing (part # 4.1145G) from Jegs for less than $20 before shipping, and just installed it today.
Installation was very straightforward. Instructions are included with the bushing, but you probably won't need them. There's only two minor notes I'd like to add to Energy's instructions. First, the tools required would be helpful. A ratchet, 10mm socket, and a long extension (or multiple extensions) are required. I used a 1/4" drive ratchet with a 15" extension, and that worked very well. They also provide a torque spec for reassembly, which is 97 in·lb (~8 ft·lb). If you have a torque wrench that will work, go for it. Otherwise, snugging things up should be just fine. Just be careful not to overtighten anything. Aside from tools, on disassembly, you'll notice a small stainless steel retaining clip that engages the threads on the right side mounting stud for the bushing assembly. This holds the bushing and shifter in place as you're removing the mounting nuts. Be careful this clip doesn't pop off and get lost, and be sure to reinstall it later. It will make reassembly quite a bit easier.
In terms of driving impressions, I've only taken about a 20 minute test drive so far. Just to note a couple of test conditions, temperature was in the mid 80's, and my MT-82 still holds the factory fluid. The feel of the shifter is noticeably improved. There is still some side to side play in the shifter when in gear, but not nearly as bad as when using the factory bushing. The feel of engaging the synchros on each shift is also more tactile and precise. The bushing definitely transmits a lot of feedback to your shifting hand, but I'm happy to report I didn't notice any change in NVH compared to the factory piece. In terms of nibble on shifting or notchy feel, I noticed no distinct change. If the feel or other performance aspects change over time, I'll be sure to report back.
To sum things up, I think this is a great band-aid to solve some of the MT-82's issues with shifter feel. It does not, however, get rid of some of the less refined attributes that could be solved with a completely different mounting solution (e.g Blowfish bracket), shifter assembly (MGW or Barton trans-mounted shifters), and/or fluid change.
I'll close things with a photo of the factory bushing next to the Energy replacement for your reference. The bushing is available in black or red like most of Energy's other products. I actually got both, as I was sent a red one by mistake. There is no noticeable difference between the colors in terms of hardness or lubricity, as far as I can tell.
Installation was very straightforward. Instructions are included with the bushing, but you probably won't need them. There's only two minor notes I'd like to add to Energy's instructions. First, the tools required would be helpful. A ratchet, 10mm socket, and a long extension (or multiple extensions) are required. I used a 1/4" drive ratchet with a 15" extension, and that worked very well. They also provide a torque spec for reassembly, which is 97 in·lb (~8 ft·lb). If you have a torque wrench that will work, go for it. Otherwise, snugging things up should be just fine. Just be careful not to overtighten anything. Aside from tools, on disassembly, you'll notice a small stainless steel retaining clip that engages the threads on the right side mounting stud for the bushing assembly. This holds the bushing and shifter in place as you're removing the mounting nuts. Be careful this clip doesn't pop off and get lost, and be sure to reinstall it later. It will make reassembly quite a bit easier.
In terms of driving impressions, I've only taken about a 20 minute test drive so far. Just to note a couple of test conditions, temperature was in the mid 80's, and my MT-82 still holds the factory fluid. The feel of the shifter is noticeably improved. There is still some side to side play in the shifter when in gear, but not nearly as bad as when using the factory bushing. The feel of engaging the synchros on each shift is also more tactile and precise. The bushing definitely transmits a lot of feedback to your shifting hand, but I'm happy to report I didn't notice any change in NVH compared to the factory piece. In terms of nibble on shifting or notchy feel, I noticed no distinct change. If the feel or other performance aspects change over time, I'll be sure to report back.
To sum things up, I think this is a great band-aid to solve some of the MT-82's issues with shifter feel. It does not, however, get rid of some of the less refined attributes that could be solved with a completely different mounting solution (e.g Blowfish bracket), shifter assembly (MGW or Barton trans-mounted shifters), and/or fluid change.
I'll close things with a photo of the factory bushing next to the Energy replacement for your reference. The bushing is available in black or red like most of Energy's other products. I actually got both, as I was sent a red one by mistake. There is no noticeable difference between the colors in terms of hardness or lubricity, as far as I can tell.
Sponsored
Last edited:
