New URD Short Throw Shifter

Hello everyone, I recently bought a new TRD Pro with a manual transmission and just wanted to post a review on my first mod to it, the URD Short Throw Shifter.

In short, the SS performs as advertised. The gear throws are very short and crisp, but as stated in other posts reverse takes a considerable amount more force in order to overcome the resistance to bring the shifter all the way to the left.

The install was a serious pain in the ass though. The website claims 20 minutes to install which is totally not realistic. I wasn't rushing, and it took me about 90 mins to get the thing in there. The hardest part is the front two bolts holding the shifter in, which required me to cut a piece of the metal out in order to access them from the top. Hope this helps anyone looking to do this mod in the future.

 

Good luck with truck ...

 

not sure if this helps me make a decision on whether i should buying the short shifter

 

Curious to know the long term outcome, is it better overall than factory, are there any weak points that may be worse in the long run? Ive used short throws in the past but not on trucks.

 

For me, the significantly shorter throws were worth the extra effort to get the truck into reverse. Not only are the shifts shorter, but there is no clunky feeling in the shifter either.

As far as long term goes, I don’t foresee there being a problem with the transmission. It’s not putting any greater strain on any of the parts in there.

One word of warning though, the install is a pain in the ass. I ended up cutting some of the metal back above the transmission so I could have access to the bolt holes to mount the spacer plate.

 

There aren’t any glaring weak points to the assembly if you install it according to the instructions. The only potential problem I could see is if the shifter extension is not secured with threadlocker.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/urd-short-shifter-2016.455828/

I don't think it's in that thread, but I do remember reading a post recently that stated that
you did not have to cut any metal. Maybe it depends on the tools you have available during install.

 

You have about an inch or so of clearance to work with, you can get the bolts out without cutting, but I didn’t see any way to get the job done putting in the longer after market bolts and the spacer plate without cutting. Lowering the transmission would work too I would think. I did it using a pair of wire cutters then peeled the metal back with a pair of pliers like a tin can, put the hardware in, then bent the metal back into place. Not pretty but it’s under the shift boot

 

It is still new, once the line get worn in the reverse will become easier but not stock easy.

 

There’s been a handful of threads about the URD shifter and how hard the front bolts are to get out without some metal work, so I just thought I’d throw my 2 cents in having just done this tonight. If you don’t mind giving up a wrench or two and have a torch (propane will work with the right head) and a bench vice you can get those bolts out without cutting or drilling your transmission tunnel.



You’ll need a crescent wrench or screwdriver for leverage, and a magnet will help keep everything around. Got my URD in with no problem using these “modified” wrenches

 

Harbor Freight is your friend here!

 

Thanks for posting this. I spent the last hour scraping up my knuckles trying to get those front two bolts to fit. I tried using 10mm shorter bolts and the front left one fit and threaded fine, but the front right bolt was too short so it wouldn't thread. I think 5mm shorter bolts might work and I considered grinding the bolts down, but I came to the same conclusion as you, that I would have to bend/cut/drill the metal to get enough clearance for those bolts. I used tin snips and cut 3/4" slots above the front bolt holes and bent the metal up with pliers as you suggested. After scraping off and re-applying the RTV silicone, I got everything back together and test drove it. It feels pretty good, although getting into Reverse is a bit tough. Total time was about 2 hours.

I wish URD provided 3rd Gen specific instructions, there were several differences from the 2nd gen. Even with a pivot head ratcheting wrench, I had a hard time getting those two front bolts out. Also, the 3rd gen has a vent hose attached to the shift assembly. I wasn't sure if I could just pull it off so I did everything with the shift assembly still attached to the hose. I couldn't peen the set screws because of that, but I had an auto-punch so I hopefully that holds. I guess I should have taken pictures or a video... oh well.

 

i has it. it's good!

install required snipping open the tunnel. then it was a regular install.

would do again! they should say, however, that 3rd gen install requires more than the 2nd. @Gadget ? update your instructions/notes on the website?

 

I picked up a 2019 and loved the way short shifter worked on my xrunner. I actually had the trd one...

The short shifter looks the same as the

$90 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 one.

Can anyone confirm if the 2005-2015 is the same one used for 2016+?

 

Can we get an update on how the URD SS is doing? Any issues/regrets? Also, URD updated their instructions to make the install a bit more easier with those two front bolts (they includes double headed studs now for the front two bolts).

 

Has anyone ran both the URD and Core short shifter? Which one is better?

 

This thread talks all about that: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/core-shifter-for-3rd-gen-v6.589705/

The Core seems to be a better performer but the complaints about gear noises in the cab are what turned me away from it. My main goal here is to get reverse to actually be tougher to get into (I'm installing a weighted knob) and as it is now, there are times where I accidentally swing it over too far during a "panic" situation when trying to get it into first. With that said, the URD seems like it will do the job for me and keeps the stock stick.

 

35K miles on mine so far, no issues and still loving it.

 

I installed mine last Saturday. wasn't to terrible. I just used a pair of snips and made a two cuts near the holes for the front boot clips. once cut, fold up the metal. Be careful to not cut yourself, I did cut the back of my hand. once I was past that, it was pretty easy. after the install, just fold that metal back down. I like the feel of the shifter now.

 

Core is way better, no comparison at all. URD feels like a sloppy noodle compared to the direct feel of the Core shifter.

Gear noise is there but doesn't bother me at all, I actually like the sound of the shifter and 4lo gear noise, sounds like straight cut gears. I also drive with the radio off so I hear everything. Core also sells a kit to reduce the noise if it bothers you that much.