UCC Shifter help over SpringBreak

GMBOUND · #1 (**permalink**) 03-12-07, 11:39 PM

Kid's spring break & my vacation is next week. I've been told too many times about the need to change shifters. However I, rather see this done in person before I try it on my own.
Is there anyone, any groups or meets next week in either Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas or Missouri that would be able to lend me some expert know how and help on getting this done?

Preferably someone who can do this with the minimum amount of four letter words

, blood shed & tears!

As I seriously doubt I'll be able to pry myself from the drivers seat long enough to change this shifter out without help. I'm real good at learning the first time.

I'm in KS but I'm from Houston, TX and I was thinking about going home for the kids spring break. Heck, I may end up in Florida!

CTS-V420 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-12-07, 11:55 PM

if you end up in FL I can give you the info on the dealer and tech who installed mine.

Albertan · #3 (**permalink**) 03-13-07, 12:52 AM

What? All the tips I gave you scare you off? If you will do it yourself, best to wait until AFTER vacation as the family will not be happy watching you and someone else crawling around the car while they want to go anywhere else.
The way the shifter install works is we are all first timers when we put it in and then we have the experience but don't need it anymore.
Bruce

GMBOUND · #4 (**permalink**) 03-13-07, 01:09 AM

I'm assuming the previous owner installed the CAGS cause I don't ever get any indication to skip shift, although I very rarely drive that slow. How do I tell if the UCC is not already installed? Must I go through the painfull exprience of pulling the knob off?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertan

What? All the tips I gave you scare you off? If you will do it yourself, best to wait until AFTER vacation as the family will not be happy watching you and someone else crawling around the car while they want to go anywhere else.
The way the shifter install works is we are all first timers when we put it in and then we have the experience but don't need it anymore.
Bruce

No it's not the tips, I think I possibly understand the instructions stated in the FAQ but I just like to have someone knowledgeable in the area just in case something goes all wrong and I'm stuck with a car I can't move!

Hence the need to use many four letter profanities

Mat347 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-13-07, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMBOUND

I'm assuming the previous owner installed the CAGS cause I don't ever get any indication to skip shift, although I very rarely drive that slow. How do I tell if the UCC is not already installed? Must I go through the painfull exprience of pulling the knob off?

Even with the CAGS eliminator, you will still see the indicator light.

Haha...Your "painful experiance" used to happen every time I power shifted into 3d.

rand49er · #6 (**permalink**) 03-13-07, 10:17 AM

Bruce is exactly correct: We're all first timers. Took me a few hours, but if I did it again, maybe a buck and a quarter.

The trickiest part (if you're alone) is holding the bolts that replace the rivets while you crawl underneathe to start the nut (or was it vice versa). Anyway, I just used another tool (screwdriver or pliers will work), got the threads started, and it was downhill from there. No need to drop the exhaust or anything. Just take your time ... you'll do just fine.

Remember to shave, grind, or whatever the leading edge of the UUC bushings and grease them up to install.

BTW, I'm in Michigan if you get in a pickle.

**The Tony Show** · #7 (**permalink**) 03-13-07, 11:09 AM

I'm in FL, and would be glad to help if you end up here. PM me any time.

GMBOUND · #8 (**permalink**) 03-13-07, 01:16 PM

Just drove to the dealer in Lawrence, they seem pretty cool. Said there was no problem with the power cable and that everything is "Packed Tight" from the factory. So I asked them about installing a Cat-Back, "$150." Then I asked about installing a short throw shifter, he quickly said "about a buck fifty." I was like Cool, where's the nearest Best Buy? Right around the corner!
I just may have found a service dept. Just 25miles away though!

Kmajecki · #9 (**permalink**) 03-15-07, 02:53 PM

Where can you get a UCC Shifter? (Is it UUC or UCC?) How much? I'm thinking i'd like to change mine as well based on all the positive feedback on them. Do you really have to disconnect the driveshaft and all that jazzz???

GMBOUND · #10 (**permalink**) 03-15-07, 11:17 PM

Got to order them from Lindsay Cadillac.

Albertan · #11 (**permalink**) 03-15-07, 11:39 PM

Kmajecki
For instructions look at cadillacfaq.com site. Then read what I wrote about removing the console and bushings. DO NOT have to remove/loosen exhaust and/or driveshaft. It's easy once you have done it...of course so is brain surgery!
Bruce

Kurlee Daddee · #12 (**permalink**) 04-13-07, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertan

Kmajecki
For instructions look at cadillacfaq.com site. Then read what I wrote about removing the console and bushings. DO NOT have to remove/loosen exhaust and/or driveshaft. It's easy once you have done it...of course so is brain surgery!
Bruce

So this install can be done without taking apart the exhaust and the driveshaft. SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I may have to order my UUC shifter VERY SOON. I can't stand my stock shifter.

**The Tony Show** · #13 (**permalink**) 04-13-07, 09:55 AM

It's tight under there with the exhaust and driveshaft in place. Let the car sit for a few hours to cool everything off, and have swivel sockets or really small arms like me.

I'd recommend using a punch or a smaller drill bit to give yourself a pilot hole in the center of the rivet before using the larger drill bit, as it's hard to keep it centered on the slightly convex surface of the rivet. You don't need to drill completely through the rivets. Once you reach the halfway point it'll seperate and you can use a phillips screwdriver and hammer to punch out the bottom part.

NOTE: Thread the bolts down from the top and put the nuts on bottom. The instructions don't tell you this!

If you have a 13mm reversible gear wrench and a 13mm deep well socket (1/8 inch drive) you can get the nuts started by hand, the put the socket on the bolts up top and wedge it against the inside of the console, which allows you to slide under the car with the gear wrench and tighten the nuts without needing a helper up top to hold the socket wrench (the console holds it).

That's the only advice I can think of on one cup of coffee. Perhaps I'll remember more later.

Lindsay Cadillac Parts · #14 (**permalink**) 04-13-07, 11:29 AM

We sell the UUC shifters for $369.00 and the replacement polyurethane shifter mount bushings for $30.00 plus shipping ($10.00-15.00)

GMBOUND · #15 (**permalink**) 04-13-07, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kurlee Daddee

I may have to order my UUC shifter VERY SOON. I can't stand my stock shifter.

The SOONER the better

Go ahead and call Lindsay today.

Mines is great, my shifts are smooth as a babies bottom now. Before I was looking for some classes to learn how to shift. I glad the guys from the forum told me about the UUC, NIGHT & DAY difference.