Bolted on Steeda Tri-Ax yesterday... WOW!!!

Put on the Steeda Tri-Ax shifter yesterday that I had laying in the basement for the last 3 weeks. All I can saw is HOLY CRAP... I cant believe the difference!! Driving in heavy traffic will be a pleasure from now on, not a chore like it was. No more rubbery handle, no more missed 2 to 3 shifts!!! I was expecting increased noise and vibration thru the new shifter, but it is no louder than the stock one, however I can feel just a little (very little) vibration thru the handle. The instructions suggested yanking the rubber boot off the factory shifter and stretching it over the new one to reduse noise, so I did that.

The install was easy, and only took me 1 1/2 hours taking my time. The most time consuming part was scraping the old RTV of the mounting flange on the tranny. In retrospect, this is the first mod I should have done when I got my TC.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 20 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 00 Windstar (wifes vehicle)

The Steeda Tri-Ax and the pro 5.0 are supposed to be the two best shifters out there. I have used the pro 5.0 before and I was completely amazed at how well it worked. Hurst is good but not as the pro 5.0. I have yet to try a steeda but want to, but I from what I hear its just as good as my pro 5.0.

Jeff, thanks for the post. I knew the Steeda was a big improvement over the stock Mustang shifters but I thought the stock TC shifter was decent to begin with. Now you've got me thinking. Should have been your first mod? That's saying alot

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'88 Thunderbird TC
ATR 3" cat back, Sac. Mustang 3" DP, Tiny Avenger boost controller, K&N cone in fenderwell, Walbro 255 lph fuel pump, Perf. Techniques T03/T04E turbo, KB Trac Kit, 4 cyl. Mustang springs
'86 Mustang GT
usual bolt on stuff
'88 Thunderbird TC A4LD

is your tranny stock? i didn't know you could use a tri-ax on anyting but a tremec.

They make them for both tremmic and t-5's

Yup, the difference is like night and day. Throws are probably 30% to 40% shorter, and MUCH more precise. To make the 2-3 shift, you just push the lever forward and it goes into third, almost like magic.

When I looked at the stock shifter mechanism compared to the Tri-Ax, I couldnt believe how crappy the stock mechanism looked. The Tri-Ax also seems to have moved the handle back a little, allowing me to put the seat back an inch or so, which makes for a more comfortable driving position for me at least. I am not that tall (5"10"), but I like to sit fairly far back from the wheel.

Before I ordered the Steeda, I was pretty much torn between the Pro 5.0 and the Steeda, as most tests I have read put both right at the top of the list. I heard more complaints about the Pro 5.0 making rattles than about the Steeda rattling, which was a major point in my thinking. The Steeda being $20 cheaper was a plus also.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 20 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 00 Windstar (wifes vehicle)

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jeff K:
[B]Yup, the difference is like night and day. Throws are probably 30% to 40% shorter, and MUCH more precise. To make the 2-3 shift, you just push the lever forward and it goes into third, almost like magic.

I'd like to add I'm very happy with my B&M.
No more missed 2-3 shifts like you mention.
I was leary of spending the money in case it was a tranny situation but it cleared up the problem.
The stock shifter is sloppier than I thought.

I have the Pro 5-0 and it feels better than the factory. Although, the 2 to 3 shifts aren't that great in my opinion. I was racing one day and missed 3rd 3 times!
You can also hear a noise from it.
I might have to try the Steeda on the other TC. If I like it better, I'll switch them....
Thanks for the info Jeff.