In working with Hurst, I suggested that a longer
arm would improve the shifter's placement. Hurst was kind enough to
send a 538-8022 billet arm, which works much better. They also sent
a vibration isolator plate, which along with my sound deadening has
removed much of the vibration and gear noise. Here's the pictures of
my install.
| Here's comparison
between the standard Hurst 538-4106 arm and the longer
538-8022 arm. I found the longer arm is a much better fit
for the Ranger. | |
| This is a diagram for
the 538-4106 arm. You can see it's 3/4 of an inch closer
to the radio console than the stock arm. This puts the
shift knob further away from the driver. Throws are
reduced 1.25, and 1.5 inches from stock. | |
| The 538-8022 arm is
taller and longer, which places the shift knob 3 inches
closer to the driver. It's 1/2 of an inch closer than the
stock knob. The reduction in ratios stays the same. | |
| Here's the vibration
dampener from Hurst. It's basically 4 neoprene gaskets and
a metal plate. They isolate the shift arm from the
selector shaft. | |
| Here's the ring of
Dynamat and "snake" around the shift cup. The ring is
secured with a Velcro band, so that it can absorb the
sounds without having to use adhesives. | |
| The "snake" will absorb
sounds that emanate through the ring, or up through the
inner boot. | |
|
| Install the console, but
don't bolt it to the floor yet, it's now time to install
the shift arm and shift boot. Also make sure the sound
deadening isn't obstructing the shifter. | |
| Now install the console,
shift arm and neoprene isolator. The neoprene will squeeze
out when you tighten the bolts. A hard corded rubber
gasket would probably work better. I may replace this
later. | |
| The arm is a tad close
to the XLT Airbag console, but there's still 1/4 inch
before it hits. The Ranger Edge doesn't have this useless
storage hole, so there's no problem. | |
| I decided to cut the
sixth fold off the Hurst boot. You only use the top 4, and
the extra material was making it hard to install. | |
|
| Now install the sound
deadening "donut" over the shift arm down past the two
bolts. It should ride the shift arm without obstructing
the shift motion. Also install the boot and shift knob.
| |
| Now attach the two
screws of the console into the floor plate. Make sure your
sound deadening doesn't get in the way. It may be a tight
fit for the boot. | |
| The console should fit
flush on the floor, and the shift boot should not have any
bulges from the sound deadening. Now enjoy your shifter!
| |
| Last shot showing the
longer arm. I find it a better fit for the Ranger than the
shorter 538-4106 arm. It seems to match the factory dash
angle better. | |
|