Automatic floor shift boot install - help needed

[manycj]

So I just ruined my $35 automatic shift boot trying get it onto the shaft. Is there some trick to doing this without tearing the boot ?  My boot came from Classic Industries. Perhaps there is a better or less expensive one I should buy ?

chris

[750-h2]

You have to cut off the weld and remove the arm before you can install that boot.

[anlauto]

I agree...I've never replaced that boot, just worked around it.

Maybe submerge the new boot in boiling water, then lots of WD40 ?

[Cuda Cody]

   I've always just reused mine as they were in good shape.  It's going to need to be stretched pretty good to fit over the end. 

[manycj]

I don't really want to cut it apart but it sounds like I might need to. I'll try Alan's idea first and see if it works.

[HEMICUDA]

I don't really want to cut it apart but it sounds like I might need to. I'll try Alan's idea first and see if it works.

You will never stretch it that far before it rips.  Either deal with the original, or, cut and re-weld after the new boot it installed.  Originals were installed before one of the arms were welded on.

[RacerX]

This is an old thread but there is important information here.   I just had to install a shift boot
and may have ruined it if not for this thread.   Most folks are not going to expect that you
need to cut the welds and remove the bracket to change what is usually a consumable part.
Looking at the parts before beginning the work it was obvious there had to be a not so obvious
trick to this so I did a search and came up with this thread...

Other posters are correct--  there is no way you are getting that boot on over the brackets.

The old boot I was replacing was toast and not usable.   Rubber was tore up and mostly gone.

Installing the new one required marking the bracket for re-installation, and cutting the weld
out.   I chose the top bracket but I suppose it doesn't matter which one you cut off.

Took some time with a die grinder but finally got the weld ground down enough to tap the
rod out of the bracket, as shown in the first picture.

After that, it is simple matter of putting the rubber boot on (make sure it is right side up!!)
and welding the bracket back on in the proper orientation.

Simple!     

[anlauto]

Yup, nice job there for sure.