How much easier is it to install an SSK with the exhaust and driveline dropped?

[Joey Link]

I'm getting all the parts together to replace my flex disk, rear transmission seals, CSB, and a couple other things. I wanted to refresh/replace my shift linkage but honestly can't afford to replace all the little things I should right now. Should I hold off on replacing the stuff until I can afford to refresh the shift stuff or is it not much more difficult with exhaust and driveline dropped?

[backtrail69]

It is way easier with all that shit out of the way..I think it might actually be nearly necessary. with a stock exhaust and heat shields. Also get new driveshaft nuts and bolts if you can afford it. You will thank me when your DS bolts DONT fall out. I learned that the hard way with my 2002...

[Jand3rson]

Shitloads easier. While you're in there, replace every piece of hardware and every bushing. You will thank me later.

[MikesJo]

A friend of mine put in my z3 1.9 ssk and changed a few clips in less than $10 mins w/o dropping anything.

[Rocla]

A friend of mine put in my z3 1.9 ssk and changed a few clips in less than $10 mins w/o dropping anything.

He propably has small hands.

[ldsbeaker]

^^ True that.
It sucked to do mine. AND I couldn't reach/get my hand in to get everything, so I'm going to have to go in there again anyways.

[gerlando]

The Z3 shift lever can be replaced by touch, but there's no way you can replace the shift linkage without dropping everything. The hardest part of the whole project will be either getting the front shift linkage clip off (even with everything out of the way), or prying your old seals out.

[Joey Link]

How feasible is it to drop the rear of the tranny a bit to gain better access to the linkage?

[StereoInstaller1]

How feasible is it to drop the rear of the tranny a bit to gain better access to the linkage?

That is exactly what I would suggest.

IMO, the dreaded "bitch clip" is the issue. The little bastard lives about 1/2" from the tranny tunnel, directly above the driveline.

The rest of the SSK would take about 10 minutes to swap.

If cash is tight (Joey, did you lose the keys to your vault?) do the shifter carrier bushings, both front and rear...screw the SSK altogether.

I did my Z3 SSK last week. I am now going to find smoked turns for the front bumper, because they make your car faster, and Delrin carrier bushings because the carrier STILL flops about 1" either way!

Luke

[nando]

the bitch clip isn't that big of a deal.. an extra long flathead makes quick work of it.

[ldsbeaker]

then, after it breaks, you need a set of needle nose pliers to pry it off.
Not fun.

[nando]

then, after it breaks, you need a set of needle nose pliers to pry it off.
Not fun.

only on your east coast boy's rust buckets :p

[Mastrcruse]

I don't know but I thought it was worth it to pay my mechanic $40 for him to put it in and rebuild the hole linkage

[StereoInstaller1]

WTF is "hole linkage"?

[backtrail69]

I THINK he means WHOLE linkage...