Anyone have any experience with the Marlin Short Throw Shifter?

Thinking about buying one for my 4Runner as I need to replace the seat and socket anyway and the current sale is really, really enticing lol.

Anyone have any experience with one?

 

@1997tacomav6

 

I got one for my '96 Tacoma, I've had it in for a couple of years now. There is a slight learning curve to the shorter throw and the clutch but it goes by quick. I makes a little more noise since the stock shifter stick has rubber inside to help dampen the transmission noise. Over all I am glad I did it. I had the LCE short shifter kit in for about a month and switched to this one. I should have done this one to begin with.

 

That's good to know - I'm really really considering just saying f it and buying the kit. You think it improved acceleration/drivability a little bit?

 

I've had one for a few years and I really like it! The kit has a shorter throw, but the shift lever they provide is longer than stock so it's not hard to reach.

I had a helluva time trying to get their lock ring installed so I ended up reusing the stock one.

While you've got access to the top of the transmission, take a look at the area around the transfer case J-shifter and see if it's leaking oil. Good time to fix the gasket on that at the same time.

 

Got mine installed and I’m super happy with it,

It shifts soo much better and have not once missed a gears shifting fast unlike the stock shifter.
Clicks into gear like and is super tight.
No more sloppy shifting anymore

it’s well worth it!
It is a bit noisy in hearing the gears tho.

took 30 minutes to install, very easy with zero issues

 

Curious about this...any thoughts on the compromises? In other words, what do you sacrifice by deviating from the original design? Greater effort at the lever? Reduced tolerance for component wear elsewhere in the transmission? Given the age of these trucks, poor shift feel can be caused by worn synchros, clutch hydraulics or release bearing, and a short shifter will likely amplify these issues. Make sure that the aforementioned items are in good condition first, and that gear oil is relatively fresh and of high quality (I use redline and have been happy with it).

Regarding the top post, if the shifter seat is worn, then a short shifter would replace that, thus improving feel. If I were OP, I would replace the seat (10 minute job, cheap too) while keeping the factory shifter. If all is good after driving it for a while, then I would feel better about splurging on the short shifter.

 

I guess the acceleration is a little faster since it goes into the next gear quicker but my truck isn't a race car. I just like the feel of the shorter throw and that it doesn't feel like my hand is going to hit the radio.
Oh yeah, don't forget change the fluid in the trans to Redline MT-90 for the full experience.;-)

 

I did the LCE on my 88’ Runner. It works great and it helped clear the Triple Stick and worked better with the 1” body lift.

I’m really happy with it.

 

Pretty happy with mine . I've had it for a couple of years. I like that the shifter is taller. And it dosent pop out of gear any more, under load. Engagement is very positive and feels good. I had a issue with installing the lock ring. I had to have a buddy push down on it with a dowel while I turned it with a screwdriver.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies! I splurged and bought it. My transmission is in good shape overall, the shifter definitely needed a new seat and socket as it would vibrate in 5th gear sometimes.

Going to do the fluid when the shifters off as well!

 

You think a gallon of MT90 would be enough for the tranny/tc?

 

Yes

 

I do remember that the collar was a pain to put back in the Marlin shifter housing, I just couldn't a good grip to twist the collar in. I used a pair of expandable snap ring pliers which grabbed the collar and gave me leverage to twist it while I pushed down on it to catch the pins. The old collar came out with a push and twist.

 

The one I got a few months ago and installed was a piece of cake with zero issues with the collar.

 

Got mine installed on Friday night!



I have to say, I love the way it shifts now! Super clicky and decisive and the new socket and seat definitely makes a difference. Only con for me is I absolutely hate how tall the shifter is now - it probably sits about an 1.5" over where it did before. I'm thinking of having the shifter machined down a bit to match stock height again.

All in all, easy upgrade and did improve the drivability of my 4Runner!

 

I had this same issue when I installed mine - did the snap ring pliers trick and it went in perfectly.

 

Change out the transmission oil to Redline MT-90 and it will be smooth. Congrats on your upgrade!

 

That's definitely on the to-do list! I just dropped the shifter off to a machine shop to take 1.5" off of it. I couldn't stand how tall the shifter was after the install lol.

Currently rocking a bolt as my shifter.....

 

Yes, I need to do that to my shifter too, let me know how it goes!