MT Shifter question

I was just thinking about how the shifter on most trucks is made in two pieces. The top half attached to the bottom half by way of molded rubber. Is this done to just reduce vibration at the shift knob? Has anyone removed the top half and made their own solid shifter? I would imagine that would help with more accurate shifts, especially if that molded rubber is getting worn out.
Just curious.

This is just a typical shifter I found online.

 

Having been a Toyota mechanic. 20+ years ago never saw a shift stick come apart or have play in that rubber piece. It more like a piece of vulcanized rubber it’s solid in nature. Usual shift issue were caused by the bushing on the bottom of the shift stick wearing out.

 

There’s a member on here that sells trd short shifters with the modification you are describing. I believe it’s @Coupe

 

I removed the rubber and welded mine solid. Made a huge difference! The rubber in these shifters is lucky to last 50,000 miles.

 

I just did a couple days ago. I was replacing a shift knob when I got the truck and put a little too much torque on the shaft and the rubber started separating.

So, I took the shifter apart, turned upside down. I pressed the bottom of the shifter up into the shaft, and it resulted in the overall assembly being about an inch to inch and a half shorter, and it slightly changed the angle of the shifter when installed- leaning it back toward driver. I didnt take it all the way apart, just filled with epoxy.

I replaced the bushing, seat, did the epoxy and installed a bunch of mass loaded foam/ vinyl around shifter at same time. It is definitely quieter and more solid before, but it seems like the bushing is still breaking in, shifts are getting smoother. Strangely, I have a more pronounced noise in 4th gear than before. Not sure to relate this to epoxy fix transmitting more vibes, or whether the new angle weights that position differently, or maybe just new shift bushing breaking itself in. Overall, greatly improved driving feel.

 

Mine must be dust at 150k.

 

reminds me of aftermarket Audi short shifter kits such as JHM; in their design the plastic ball socket is replaced with a metal bearing

 

my bushing fell apart insided, I just have the top shaft sitting on the control lever. Sits about 2 in lower and has some play in it. Just gotta be careful when shifting as the top shaft will come "up" the control lever. Have not found a permit fix unless i want to replace the whole shiftier assembly

 

That’s pretty much the state mine was in. Remove shifter base, flip upside down, fill with epoxy and enjoy no more wobbling!

Took 20 minutes and cost $5

 

If you search, you’ll find a write up on how to fix it including step by step instructions and the type of epoxy to use