I just completed my 1" bodylift . Now i am ready to do something to the shifter.....

I'm debating on either the hurst or the fx4 shift arm .

I know the hurst could be really good but i'm worried about it leaking.Are alot of people having problems with it leaking ?my interior is almost perfect so i definently don't want the carpet ruined.also durability on the trail is always a concern.

i want to get a leather boot and shifter lifter so its going to run about 250 dollars .


I like the look of the fx4 shifter a little more its also certain to not have any problems. the fx4 arm is cheaper but its not going to help the sloppy shifting ,a little more money to get the hurst .


what does everyone think ?

 

nah no worries about leaking here.. get a hurst and be done with the sloppy stock shifter lol

 

I think i'm leaning tward the hurst .

What do some hurst owners think about the noise ? is it going to be annoying while i'm listening to the radio or is it really not a big deal ? I'm trying to get an idea how loud it is .

what have some of you tried to help dampen the noise ?

 

did you use some silicone on the gasket that potentialy leaks ?

 

The FX4 shift arm and ball actually cost more than the complete Hurst kit. As you have mentioned, the Hurst has a reputation for leaks and rattles.

The FX4 doesn't significantly change the shift pattern like the Hurst does. IMO, it does have a better feel and contour than the standard Ranger shifter though.

You should read George's shifter exposés to help you decide which might be better for you:

http://silvertank.batcave.net/Hurst1.html
http://silvertank.batcave.net/FXShift.html

 

I used the gasket that came with it- no leaks, no overheating, and you will get used to the noise which isnt THAT loud.

 

HURST!!!! I think summit sells them for 197.

 

yea if your worried about noise i think one of the links Bob posted shows a dynamat snake being used to absorb sound. Not sure if it worked or not.

 

http://www.stuffforyourranger.com/st...f3c0528c52a07f

 

after driving Wowak's truck with the hurst i would def say get that over the fx4 shifter

 

To simulate the gear mesh noise, just pop a cassette tape in and hit rewind. Now imagine that noise coming from the floor console all the time. You will also get the occasional rattle as the metal arm hits the shift stops. A good adjustment on the shift stops will help, but you won't kill all the small rattles. The arm will also resonate in 5th, and give off a small whine. The FX arm does the same, since it's also all metal.

You can reduce all the nosies by using the ideas from my webpage, but that comes at the expense of added heat. Our trannies do not use a seperate turret fluid, so it's up to the main unit to "sling" the oil up into the shifter. That's probably why Hursts are prone to leak. Mine never did in 3 months of testing. I could live with the sounds, but the heat around the shift cup was begininning to concern me.

To be honest, the Hurst is an awesome shifter. It makes perfect shifts from an otherwise imperfect stock transmission. It gives excellent feedback, and allows for much faster gear selection. The trade-off is noise, and Hurst will tell you it is a performance product. You can muffle some of the noise, but the trade-off is heat.

The FX arm is a big improvement over the stock arm in both performance and appearence. The curve of the arm, and perfect roundness of the ball do make for better shifting. It also has better feedback, since the arm is not insulated like the stock unit. It will not be as crisp as the Hurst, or offer a reduced pattern. It makes a perfect compromise between the Hurst and stock shift units.

 

Thats a good review George.

 

THanks guys ! i Think i decided on the hurst ... mainly cuz of price and underdog will make me a shifter lifter any height i want so i can get it just right .

wayne said he made his own little gaskets to help isolate the stick from vibration using a piece of left over boot material . I'm thinking i can find a gasket at the plumbing supply house which could work even better. I have a few ideas for deadening the noise. if for some reason it bothers me till i can't stand it i'm sure i can get most my money back and get the fx4 shifter .

 

no help on a ranger but we have a Hurst on teh Fairlane and man its ****in sweet.