Issues With Steeda Tri_ax And Blowfish Bracket

SVT_MS6

New Member
Apr 6, 2013
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Recently I installed the Tri_ax shifter along with Steeda's own bushing. I kept having issues with the notchy shifts into 1st and 2nd, then into 3rd, and to make matters worse, it was VERY easy to get the car into reverse, so much that a couple of times while driving it, my wife nearly went into reverse at an intersection. I installed the blowfish 'race' bracket this last weekend. The shifter feel was massively improved, but rattles a lot. I can deal with that, but the car still goes into reverse rather easily, almost as if you no longer need to push down to engage the lock out. Last night, I revisited the installation from the top, and attempted to reposition the shifter per the instructions. It was nearly impossible to get to the bottom right bolt with the bracket in place, but I managed to tweak it enough to move it over slightly to the right to further distance the shifter from the lock out.

Problem hasn't gone away, and I'm dreading having to remove everything to replace the stock shifter. Has anyone else had a similar issue with these parts? Help is appreciated....
 
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@SVT_MS6 give us a call and we will get you to the appropriate person who manually did your order in a way to resolve this. Its best to go to the manufacture on this type of stuff in case it is one of our mix ups. We build them in house. Shoot us a call , any one can take care of you or you can ask for me!

Thanks,

John
 
Just curious... is this supposed to be installed between the shifter and the base? It would make sense that this would keep the ear from going into the lock out.... I didn't see it anywhere in the installation directions....
 

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Just curious... is this supposed to be installed between the shifter and the base? It would make sense that this would keep the ear from going into the lock out.... I didn't see it anywhere in the installation directions....

Did Steeda resolve your problem? I have their shifter and bracket and no issues but mine didn't come with the part in your photo. They show it on the Steeda site but it's not referenced in the installation instructions which are also available on their site.
 
Yes and no Lenny. The plate IS supposed to be installed, and like you said, is not listed in the directions. If you look on their site, they show the plate as part of the kit. ALSO shown are four bolts. These bolts are required because the stock bolts are too short with the the plate installed. This is ALSO not in the directions and NOT in my kit. I'm back on the stock shifter because I don't have these bolts, and I've emailed Steeda through their site but no reply. I'm usually VERY busy during the week, and often don't have time to call, but it seems that's really the best way to get a hold of them.

With the plate installed, I could tell that the shifter would not go into reverse. If you don't use that plate, going into reverse is virtually a given if you move too far over to the left from neutral. Kind of dangerous, my wife drove the car and actually went into reverse at an intersection almost hitting someone.

I just need to get a hold of someone and get those bolts. I hope Steeda revises their directions to account for the need for the plate and bolts...
 
Yes and no Lenny. The plate IS supposed to be installed, and like you said, is not listed in the directions. If you look on their site, they show the plate as part of the kit. ALSO shown are four bolts. These bolts are required because the stock bolts are too short with the the plate installed. This is ALSO not in the directions and NOT in my kit. I'm back on the stock shifter because I don't have these bolts, and I've emailed Steeda through their site but no reply. I'm usually VERY busy during the week, and often don't have time to call, but it seems that's really the best way to get a hold of them.

With the plate installed, I could tell that the shifter would not go into reverse. If you don't use that plate, going into reverse is virtually a given if you move too far over to the left from neutral. Kind of dangerous, my wife drove the car and actually went into reverse at an intersection almost hitting someone.

I just need to get a hold of someone and get those bolts. I hope Steeda revises their directions to account for the need for the plate and bolts...

You might want to try Tim from Steeda. He's active on another forum and seems to be responsive.
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Is it possible the reverse lockout spring is not installed or not working properly? From what you describe it seems the shifter reverse lockout "ear" is not touching what the Steeda instructions call the "boss" and so there's nothing stopping the shifter from going into reverse. Maybe that's what the plate is for - to lift the shifter higher so it's blocked until you press down to engage reverse. What year is your Mustang? Mine's a '13 and mine didn't come with that plate but I remember reading that Ford had modified the shifter box - maybe that's the reason for the plate.
Hopefully you'll get it resolved but shame on Steeda for not updating their instructions and for not getting back to you quickly. There's no excuse for either.
 
Yes, the plate raises the ear so you would have to press down to engage it. The spring is functional, and aside from missing this instruction and the bolts everything else is just fine. I agree. This could have been avoided with proper direction, especially for those of us who aren't full blown mechanics or engineers. Once I saw the plate it made perfect sense though. What's worse for me is the time I need to take to fix it, once I get these bolts. I'm talking some time this afternoon to get myself together so I'll be calling Steeda today to get those bolts, then I can realize the results of all of this.

FWIW, I'm back on the stock shifter, and the NVH from the blowfish bracket is still present, but very much reduced.
 
Yes, the plate raises the ear so you would have to press down to engage it. The spring is functional, and aside from missing this instruction and the bolts everything else is just fine. I agree. This could have been avoided with proper direction, especially for those of us who aren't full blown mechanics or engineers. Once I saw the plate it made perfect sense though. What's worse for me is the time I need to take to fix it, once I get these bolts. I'm talking some time this afternoon to get myself together so I'll be calling Steeda today to get those bolts, then I can realize the results of all of this.

FWIW, I'm back on the stock shifter, and the NVH from the blowfish bracket is still present, but very much reduced.

Once you get it sorted out I think you'll be very happy with the shifter. I installed mine with the Steeda bracket using the black bushing. No more missed shifts and the throw is perfect. I was thinking of getting the blowfish bracket so please post your review after you install the Steeda. Did you consider getting the retrofit kit for the blowfish? http://tinyurl.com/pymqc8o
 
I think I might get that kit yes. I really want to install the shifter again, but that will take some time as it means getting the bracket loose. The bracket with the stock shifter is actually not bad, but I still don't like it going into second.
 
i have the same shifter and i never had the issue with reverse but thats bc mine came with the plate and bolts and although not in the instructions i installed it anyways. the real issue i had with this shifter is the rattle and the notchy geras (if notchy is a real word). all in all its a great shifter if your modding on a budget but i saved up and bought the mgw. performance for price is there but if you have the cash or the patience to save then the mgw is better but for double the price.
Also mine came with a stiffer spring that i automatically put in bc i never did like how resting my arm onthe shifter allowed it to go past the ear into reverse