I am doing this to my wifes 08 Liberty right now, it had been popping violently out of 1st gear for a little while. I am at the bending the stock shifter today, I have just done a clutch because the dual mass flywheel was starting to come apart making terrible noises, hope to have this done today so as to get my wife out of my car, thanks for the exact angles on the shifter, very helpful to me.
I don't know about that specific shifter, but on the older hurt shifters for a nv3500 for example, you could change the internal springs which would give you a much lighter balance side to to side. Didn't have to struggle to overcome the spring to get into R for example. Might be worth looking if that B&M can be modded.
My 2005 TJ Sport has an NSG370, I bought it when 3.5yrs old with 40,243, was one owner. I was never happy with the shifting of it, replaced the factory fluid with reccomended Pennzoil Synchromesh, then Red Line MTL, and others in attempt to improve it. I always double clutch when down shifting yet 3rd gear continued to grind worse and worse, 6th on the highway would get stiffer and stiffer with a rough feel. At 90k miles I ended up purchasing a factory remanufactured NSG370 from Jeep dealer with 3yr warranty for around $1,600. Also replaced perfect original Sachs clutch with LuK kit while in there. The "new" transmission had a semi-stripped drain plug, otherwise it looked nice. I was never happy with the shifting, it couldn't match the multiple decades older 300k Getrag boxes I've had in various 80s BMWs. It has 120k now. I always wanted to like the 6-speed, as it has a very low 4.46 1st gear abs modest .84 6th, which is great for an offroad vehicle, but still wasn't happy with the shift performance and unsure what I'll decide to do one day if this replacement unit fails Fast forward several years and a divorce, and my gf has a 2008 Liberty. I didn't even know they were available with a manual transmission, only to discover it was the last year they were offered, only in base Sport trim, and it was my ol friend NSG370. Her KK had 115k when met, now at 135k, multiple people learned to drive manual transmission on it and while not neglected, it didn't have nearly the level of maintenance and care of my Jeep... Yet I'm completely astonished by how well it shifts and otherwise performs. It feels how a proper transmission should. It's also a great match with the power curve of 3.7 V6. The only thing "off", is the shifter feel, as the motion of moving shifter isn't "organic". Your video clearly shows why; the way the KK shifter bar extends away from the shifter housing. I taught her for to shift and operate the transmission with mechanical sympathy, and was just ready to change the fluid in it with Pennzoil Synchromesh. I'm curious how long it'll continue to perform and operate well. The KK is a very nice SUV platform, excellent size/packaging, with great offroad features, RWD based, actual transfer case with low range, high pinion front axle for increased strength and driveshaft clearance, and especially the Brake Lock Differential function in 4wd high and low, in that it uses the traction control system to apply brakes to spinning wheel on each axle, thus transferring power to wheel with grip. It's not quite a locker, but it's by far the next best thing to have
I kinda feel like the Liberty was a good idea that got put into production before they were totally done designing it. They got the basics right, but there's some little details that just don't feel finished. They could have got the shifter right, the front suspension needs a little sorting, and the drive by wire throttle pedal has enough of a delay that technical driving is actually harder to do. Its interesting that your Wrangler version of the transmission was so much different. In light of the stripped drain plug, maybe the production line has quality control issues that results in hit-or-miss performance...
@@LowBuckGarage I'm in the southeastern US and there's been a lot of them at the salvage yards, shame because most aren't even wrecked. Many have the sky slider, and each of those has a lot of water damage inside. We've been taking the opportunity to snag things from Limited and other trim levels, or the face lifted years to add/upgrade on the 2008 Sport. Chrome interior door handles, trim around passenger dash handle, the later style steering wheel, rear door tweeters, auto dimming rear view mirror, leather arm rest pads, fold flat front passenger seat, cabin air filter, fog lights, etc Btw if yours doesn't have cruise control, it's literally a cheap and easy plug and play add on just by installing the switch/stalk (same part was used on multiple Mopars) and the accompanying horn wire harness, then just cut back foam cover to make clearance for it sticking through. The front struts are bouncy and when doing recent oil change, noticed the lower control arm bushings are shot, so will be replacing control arms and strut assemblies. I don't like the delay in electronic throttle vehicles, however I've driven much worse. It's just okay enough to be tolerable, but I'm curious about adding a pedal box to modify the signal and remove that delay. My 5-speed manual 2013 Abarth 500 has electronic throttle and an adjustable pedal programmer box, which makes a huge difference, nearly eliminating delay entirely. Though that car was much better programmed from the factory and I often turn it off as I enjoy the stock programming (in sport mode, which makes huge difference on that car). But after experiencing the difference/improvement they can make, I'd really like to feel how the 6-speed KK drives with one
@@rickc303 I wanted to try the throttle delay plug in box, but they just said that it got rid of the delay when accelerating. I didn't know if it would eliminate the delay when letting off the gas, too, but the manufacturer wouldn't answer that question. The delay when letting off was a problem going over rocks, because when you got to the top and let off the gas it kept accelerating down the other side. I never bought one since I didn't get an answer. Have you noticed this issue with yours?
@@LowBuckGarage ah, you're referring to the throttle "hang" on decel. It's an emissions programming to reduce unburned fuel going into exhaust and catalytic converter. I can't speak for it in reference to the KK pedal box as I don't have one. However, on my Abarth there's minimal throttle hang with stock tuning in Sport mode (essentially a non issue), and even less with the pedal programmer. That particular model has 4 modes; off, econ, sport and sport +. Each mode (other than off) has a base curve, and then can be adjusted +/- 3 (for 7 different curves on each mode), the mode changes the "shape" of the curve, and the +/- adjustment essentially changes how quick that particular curve applies. If nothing else, it may help the throttle hang simply by virtue of the computer receiving the "idle" signal from throttle pedal a split second sooner than without. Otherwise may need to see what kind of programmers are available to edit the calibration
BTW - buying this 2008 manual tranny Libby was ok but for one big problem - the gear shift stick which includes the weird rubber isolator coupler between the shift lever and the shift tower was made in small quantities (for the one rear run of this vehicle variant) and is no longer available anywhere !! And our rubber element has gotten sloppy. Our mechanic is going to try inserting steel pins or screws in to the rubber so as to tighten it up.
Yeah, I think that isolator was a bad design. Let me know if your solution works. There's also urethane that comes in two parts like a glue. You mix it up, pour it into place, and then it solidifies. As I recall, you can buy it in different hardnesses, so that could be a solution.
I am having same problem. I have a 2008 jeep liberty with the 6 speed Manuel. 1st gear poping out and driving me insane . I do take care of my jeep and just has 115,000 miles original. I dont have your tools and what should I do?
Mine started doing it at 70K; I'm really disapointed in that transmission. So far, it still hasn't popped out yet with the new shifter. If you really like your Jeep, I'd change the shifter soon, because eventually the popping out will damage the internals of the trans if it hasn't already. If I have the problem again I'll be putting in an older model 5-speed, but that would take even more fab work. Sorry I don't have a better solution for you!
No, I really love Jeeps but I can't recommend that one. There's all sorts of details that annoy me, and then one of the gears on the HVAC doors stripped, so it only blows heat in your face. Not my favorite vehicle...
Are you referring to the black bezel on the shift boot? The original chrome one broke loose, so I printed off a new one with a 3D printer with screws around the perimeter to hold it in. The boot itself is the original one.
Yes, it is driven daily, and has not popped out of gear since the install. Still a bit stiff, though, I would go a little longer on the shift lever if I was doing it over.
Low-Buck Garage I think I’m going to try this upgrade. I have problems getting from 5th into 6th. And getting fully into reverse... grinding the stick.
@@chuckisbusy Yeah, I had the same problems, too. They really dropped the ball on the OEM shifter. I like Jeeps, but I think they put this model in production before they finished designing it.
I am doing this to my wifes 08 Liberty right now, it had been popping violently out of 1st gear for a little while. I am at the bending the stock shifter today, I have just done a clutch because the dual mass flywheel was starting to come apart making terrible noises, hope to have this done today so as to get my wife out of my car, thanks for the exact angles on the shifter, very helpful to me.
Worked great on my wife's 05 just a little trimming on the boot plastic ring for clearance.
Did you have to bend the shift lever?
Awesome video, i will try washer trick to stiffen the rubber bushing on my JK
I don't know about that specific shifter, but on the older hurt shifters for a nv3500 for example, you could change the internal springs which would give you a much lighter balance side to to side. Didn't have to struggle to overcome the spring to get into R for example. Might be worth looking if that B&M can be modded.
Thats good to go, thanks for sharing
we got 180,000 miles on our 2008 Libby's manual transmission before it needed rebuilding, and it is getting a new OEM shifter this week.
That's really impressive, glad it worked well for you!
My 2005 TJ Sport has an NSG370, I bought it when 3.5yrs old with 40,243, was one owner. I was never happy with the shifting of it, replaced the factory fluid with reccomended Pennzoil Synchromesh, then Red Line MTL, and others in attempt to improve it. I always double clutch when down shifting yet 3rd gear continued to grind worse and worse, 6th on the highway would get stiffer and stiffer with a rough feel.
At 90k miles I ended up purchasing a factory remanufactured NSG370 from Jeep dealer with 3yr warranty for around $1,600. Also replaced perfect original Sachs clutch with LuK kit while in there. The "new" transmission had a semi-stripped drain plug, otherwise it looked nice. I was never happy with the shifting, it couldn't match the multiple decades older 300k Getrag boxes I've had in various 80s BMWs. It has 120k now. I always wanted to like the 6-speed, as it has a very low 4.46 1st gear abs modest .84 6th, which is great for an offroad vehicle, but still wasn't happy with the shift performance and unsure what I'll decide to do one day if this replacement unit fails
Fast forward several years and a divorce, and my gf has a 2008 Liberty. I didn't even know they were available with a manual transmission, only to discover it was the last year they were offered, only in base Sport trim, and it was my ol friend NSG370. Her KK had 115k when met, now at 135k, multiple people learned to drive manual transmission on it and while not neglected, it didn't have nearly the level of maintenance and care of my Jeep...
Yet I'm completely astonished by how well it shifts and otherwise performs. It feels how a proper transmission should. It's also a great match with the power curve of 3.7 V6. The only thing "off", is the shifter feel, as the motion of moving shifter isn't "organic". Your video clearly shows why; the way the KK shifter bar extends away from the shifter housing. I taught her for to shift and operate the transmission with mechanical sympathy, and was just ready to change the fluid in it with Pennzoil Synchromesh. I'm curious how long it'll continue to perform and operate well. The KK is a very nice SUV platform, excellent size/packaging, with great offroad features, RWD based, actual transfer case with low range, high pinion front axle for increased strength and driveshaft clearance, and especially the Brake Lock Differential function in 4wd high and low, in that it uses the traction control system to apply brakes to spinning wheel on each axle, thus transferring power to wheel with grip. It's not quite a locker, but it's by far the next best thing to have
I kinda feel like the Liberty was a good idea that got put into production before they were totally done designing it. They got the basics right, but there's some little details that just don't feel finished. They could have got the shifter right, the front suspension needs a little sorting, and the drive by wire throttle pedal has enough of a delay that technical driving is actually harder to do.
Its interesting that your Wrangler version of the transmission was so much different. In light of the stripped drain plug, maybe the production line has quality control issues that results in hit-or-miss performance...
@@LowBuckGarage I'm in the southeastern US and there's been a lot of them at the salvage yards, shame because most aren't even wrecked. Many have the sky slider, and each of those has a lot of water damage inside. We've been taking the opportunity to snag things from Limited and other trim levels, or the face lifted years to add/upgrade on the 2008 Sport. Chrome interior door handles, trim around passenger dash handle, the later style steering wheel, rear door tweeters, auto dimming rear view mirror, leather arm rest pads, fold flat front passenger seat, cabin air filter, fog lights, etc
Btw if yours doesn't have cruise control, it's literally a cheap and easy plug and play add on just by installing the switch/stalk (same part was used on multiple Mopars) and the accompanying horn wire harness, then just cut back foam cover to make clearance for it sticking through.
The front struts are bouncy and when doing recent oil change, noticed the lower control arm bushings are shot, so will be replacing control arms and strut assemblies.
I don't like the delay in electronic throttle vehicles, however I've driven much worse. It's just okay enough to be tolerable, but I'm curious about adding a pedal box to modify the signal and remove that delay. My 5-speed manual 2013 Abarth 500 has electronic throttle and an adjustable pedal programmer box, which makes a huge difference, nearly eliminating delay entirely. Though that car was much better programmed from the factory and I often turn it off as I enjoy the stock programming (in sport mode, which makes huge difference on that car). But after experiencing the difference/improvement they can make, I'd really like to feel how the 6-speed KK drives with one
@@rickc303 I wanted to try the throttle delay plug in box, but they just said that it got rid of the delay when accelerating. I didn't know if it would eliminate the delay when letting off the gas, too, but the manufacturer wouldn't answer that question. The delay when letting off was a problem going over rocks, because when you got to the top and let off the gas it kept accelerating down the other side. I never bought one since I didn't get an answer. Have you noticed this issue with yours?
@@LowBuckGarage ah, you're referring to the throttle "hang" on decel. It's an emissions programming to reduce unburned fuel going into exhaust and catalytic converter. I can't speak for it in reference to the KK pedal box as I don't have one. However, on my Abarth there's minimal throttle hang with stock tuning in Sport mode (essentially a non issue), and even less with the pedal programmer. That particular model has 4 modes; off, econ, sport and sport +. Each mode (other than off) has a base curve, and then can be adjusted +/- 3 (for 7 different curves on each mode), the mode changes the "shape" of the curve, and the +/- adjustment essentially changes how quick that particular curve applies. If nothing else, it may help the throttle hang simply by virtue of the computer receiving the "idle" signal from throttle pedal a split second sooner than without. Otherwise may need to see what kind of programmers are available to edit the calibration
Good work!
BTW - buying this 2008 manual tranny Libby was ok but for one big problem - the gear shift stick which includes the weird rubber isolator coupler between the shift lever and the shift tower was made in small quantities (for the one rear run of this vehicle variant) and is no longer available anywhere !! And our rubber element has gotten sloppy. Our mechanic is going to try inserting steel pins or screws in to the rubber so as to tighten it up.
Yeah, I think that isolator was a bad design. Let me know if your solution works. There's also urethane that comes in two parts like a glue. You mix it up, pour it into place, and then it solidifies. As I recall, you can buy it in different hardnesses, so that could be a solution.
Hi , with your fix being so good , I wonder why Jeep did'nt do it as well .
Probably too expensive, they saved a few bucks and then sold replacement parts down the road...
@@LowBuckGarage sounds right , for them
Would i have to bend one to fit inside an 06 liberty?
I am having same problem. I have a 2008 jeep liberty with the 6 speed Manuel. 1st gear poping out and driving me insane . I do take care of my jeep and just has 115,000 miles original. I dont have your tools and what should I do?
Mine started doing it at 70K; I'm really disapointed in that transmission. So far, it still hasn't popped out yet with the new shifter. If you really like your Jeep, I'd change the shifter soon, because eventually the popping out will damage the internals of the trans if it hasn't already. If I have the problem again I'll be putting in an older model 5-speed, but that would take even more fab work. Sorry I don't have a better solution for you!
So definitely, you wouldn't recommend someone buying a used 2008 liberty at this point, would you?
No, I really love Jeeps but I can't recommend that one. There's all sorts of details that annoy me, and then one of the gears on the HVAC doors stripped, so it only blows heat in your face. Not my favorite vehicle...
Where did you find a replacement shift boot?
Are you referring to the black bezel on the shift boot? The original chrome one broke loose, so I printed off a new one with a 3D printer with screws around the perimeter to hold it in. The boot itself is the original one.
@@LowBuckGarage I noticed the bezel is different, moreso curious about boot itself, ours is torn and they're no longer produced
One problem I noticed is that it's your wife's vehicle. Does she like the new shifter?
Has it helped your transmission stay in gear? Or will it pop out of first still?
Yes, it is driven daily, and has not popped out of gear since the install. Still a bit stiff, though, I would go a little longer on the shift lever if I was doing it over.
Does the shifter help with getting into reverse?
Yes, its a big improvement over the stock one. Its a heavier spring to move the lever over, and more positive when you pull back to engage the gear.
Low-Buck Garage I think I’m going to try this upgrade. I have problems getting from 5th into 6th. And getting fully into reverse... grinding the stick.
@@chuckisbusy Yeah, I had the same problems, too. They really dropped the ball on the OEM shifter. I like Jeeps, but I think they put this model in production before they finished designing it.