Hey guys! So, you're looking to upgrade your driving experience with a short shifter on your Ice Lancer, huh? Awesome choice! A short shifter is a fantastic modification that can significantly improve your car's feel by reducing the throw distance of your gear lever, making shifts quicker and more precise. It's like giving your car a shot of espresso – instant performance boost! This guide will walk you through the entire installation process, from start to finish, so you can do it yourself and save some serious cash. Trust me, it's totally doable, even if you're not a seasoned mechanic. Just follow the steps, take your time, and you'll be enjoying crisper shifts in no time.

Tools and Materials You'll Need

Before you even think about cracking open the hood, you need to gather your tools and materials. Having everything ready will make the installation process much smoother and less frustrating. Nobody wants to be halfway through a job and realize they're missing a crucial wrench! Here's a list of everything you'll need:

• Short Shifter Kit: This is the main event, obviously! Make sure you get a kit specifically designed for your Ice Lancer. There are a few different brands out there, so do some research and choose one that fits your budget and preferences. Read the reviews!
• Wrench Set: A good quality wrench set, both metric and imperial (just in case), is essential. You'll need a variety of sizes to handle different bolts and nuts.
• Socket Set: Similar to the wrench set, a socket set with various sizes will come in handy. A ratchet handle will make things much easier.
• Screwdrivers: You'll need both flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers for removing trim pieces and other components.
• Pliers: A pair of pliers will be useful for removing clips and other small parts.
• Jack and Jack Stands: Safety first! You'll need a jack to lift your car and jack stands to securely support it while you're working underneath. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
• Wheel Chocks: These are important for preventing the car from rolling while it's raised.
• Penetrating Oil: This stuff is a lifesaver when dealing with stubborn bolts. Spray it on bolts that are difficult to remove and let it soak in for a while.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from grease and grime with a pair of gloves.
• Safety Glasses: Eye protection is a must!
• Torque Wrench: For tightening bolts to the correct specifications. Over-tightening or under-tightening can cause problems.
• Optional but Recommended: A good work light, a magnet tool for retrieving dropped bolts, and a helper (it's always good to have an extra set of hands!).

Before you start, make sure you have a clean and well-lit workspace. You'll be spending a fair amount of time in this area, so make it comfortable and organized. Double-check that you have all the tools and materials listed above before proceeding. Missing something in the middle of the project is a huge bummer!

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Alright, let's get down to business! Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide to installing your Ice Lancer short shifter. Take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you get stuck.

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

First things first: safety!

1. Park your Ice Lancer on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
2. Use wheel chocks to secure the rear wheels.
3. Jack up the front of the car and place it securely on jack stands. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct jacking points.
4. Make sure the car is stable before you start working underneath it. Give it a good shake to make sure it's not going anywhere.

Step 2: Remove the Center Console

This step involves removing the center console to access the shifter assembly.

1. Remove any shift knobs.
2. Carefully pry up the trim around the shifter. This trim is usually held in place by clips, so gently work around the edges with a screwdriver or trim removal tool.
3. Disconnect any electrical connectors attached to the trim.
4. Unscrew any bolts or screws that secure the center console to the floor.
5. Lift the center console out of the car.

Step 3: Disconnect the Shift Linkage

Now, let's get to the important part.

1. Locate the shift linkage underneath the car. You may need to crawl under the car to access it.
2. Identify the shift linkage components that connect the shift lever to the transmission.
3. Disconnect the shift linkage from the transmission. This usually involves removing clips, cotter pins, or bolts. Use penetrating oil if necessary.
4. Carefully separate the shift linkage from the old shifter assembly.

Step 4: Remove the Old Shifter

Time to get the old shifter out of the car.

1. Inside the car, locate the bolts or nuts that secure the shifter assembly to the floor.
2. Remove these bolts or nuts.
3. Carefully lift the old shifter assembly out of the car. It might require some wiggling and maneuvering.

Step 5: Install the New Short Shifter

Here comes the fun part!

1. Install the new short shifter assembly in the same location as the old one.
2. Secure the new shifter with the bolts or nuts provided in the kit. Make sure to tighten them to the manufacturer's specifications (use your torque wrench!).

Step 6: Reconnect the Shift Linkage

Time to put things back together.

1. Reconnect the shift linkage to the new short shifter assembly.
2. Secure the linkage with the clips, cotter pins, or bolts that you removed earlier.
3. Double-check all connections to ensure they are secure.

Step 7: Reinstall the Center Console

Almost there!

1. Carefully place the center console back into the car.
2. Reconnect any electrical connectors.
3. Secure the center console with the bolts or screws that you removed earlier.
4. Snap the trim pieces back into place.
5. Reinstall the shift knob.

Step 8: Test the Shifter

Before you celebrate, it's time for a test drive!

1. Start the car.
2. Shift through all the gears to make sure everything is working properly.
3. Check for any unusual noises or grinding.
4. If everything feels good, congratulations! You've successfully installed your short shifter.

Step 9: Final Touches and Cleanup

Now that the hard part is done, here are a few final steps:

1. Lower the car off the jack stands.
2. Remove the wheel chocks.
3. Clean up your workspace.
4. Take your Ice Lancer for a spin and enjoy the improved shifting performance!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don't go perfectly, and that's okay! Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Shifter is Stiff: This could be due to a few things. Make sure all the linkage connections are properly lubricated. Check for any binding in the linkage. If the problem persists, you might need to adjust the shifter's position.
• Gear Grinding: This is usually a sign that the shift linkage isn't adjusted correctly. Double-check the linkage connections and make sure everything is properly aligned. You might need to make small adjustments to the linkage to eliminate the grinding.
• Difficulty Shifting into Gears: This could be related to the same issues as gear grinding. Also, check that the clutch is fully disengaging. Bleeding the clutch system might solve this problem.
• Loose Shifter: Make sure all the bolts and nuts are tightened to the correct torque specifications. If the shifter is still loose, you might need to use thread locker to secure the bolts.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Ride!

Well, that's it, guys! You've successfully installed a short shifter on your Ice Lancer. Pat yourself on the back – you've done a great job! Enjoy the crisper shifts and the improved driving experience. Remember to take it easy at first and get used to the new feel of your car. Now go out there and have some fun! Remember that safety is key during the whole process, and if you are not comfortable at some point, seek professional help.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. I am not responsible for any damage or injury that may occur during the installation process. Always use caution and follow safety procedures. If you are not comfortable performing this installation yourself, consult a qualified mechanic.