How To: Install a 2005+ Mustang shift knob in your Focus

[R-code]

This morning I discovered that a shift knob from a 2005+ Mustang will fit on a Focus shifter. This mod is good for anyone that has removed the reverse block from earlier models or never had one to begin with. Obvoiusly this won't look right on an SVT as the shift pattern is incorrect. All that's required is a razor blade and zip tie or twist tie that is at least 6 inches long. The swap takes about 5-10 minutes.

The knobs in question. The Mustang knob I chose came from a car with the interior upgrade package. A standard Mustang knob (GT or otherwise) will not have leather or the silver shift pattern.



The new Mustang knobs have a groove at the bottom that is used to keep the boot tucked up under the knob. On the Mustang this is accomplished with an elastic band sewn into the top of the boot, as most of you know the Focus uses a ziptie. This makes the Mustang knob an attractive choice for Focus drivers because you don't have to re-use or modify the shifter tower to keep the boot in place, you just eliminate it entirely.


The first step is to remove the stock shift knob, leaving you with something that looks a lot like this;


Next you'll want to pry up the shift boot. On a 2005 this is best accomplished by pushing the back of the boot frame forward until it pops up. The tabs at the front of the boot are too long and the frame will not flex enough to allow them to clear the console.


Slide the boot and shift tower up off of the shifter arm.


Turn the boot inside out to reveal the ziptie that holds your boot to the shift tower.


The boot is divided into three sections that are bunched up around the zip tie. Carefully seperate two of these sections to reveal a good sized section of the tie and cut it with a razor blade. Be careful not to damage the leather.


Remove the old ziptie and spread the boot out. Do not turn it right-side out yet.


Thread your extra ziptie or twist tie through the boot. The first thing I found was a twist tie so that's what I used.


Install the knob upside down through the bottom of the boot and tighten the boot and twist/ziptie around the base


Turn the knob over and thread it onto the shifter arm. Keeping the boot bunched up a little will make this step much much easier. It will be a tight fit so take your time and be careful not to crossthread it.


The finished product.


The Mustang knob will hold the boot up just a little higher than the stock shifter tower, but not so high that it will stretch when shifting into 1st or 5th gear. I can only assume that with a short throw shifter the knob will sit lower and give the boot a more natural look.

Ford verbage for the part is 'Intermediate Interior Decor"
Ford Part Number - 5R3Z-7213-BAA. Retail is $67.20, $44.35 through FORDSVTPARTS.

I look forward to any constructive criticism you may have. Enjoy!!

~Mike~

[Silfox]

That knob look a bit too big for that interior. The boot looks like it will strecth tight when in 1,3,5 and kindo goofy not bunched up. Plus you added heigh when just about most everyone looks for shorter.
But good thinking and nice writup.

BTW, this would be the same for all Foci.

[2focusd]

Awesome writeup, and I love your interior bro

-Brian

[R-code]

Originally Posted by Silfox

That knob look a bit too big for that interior. The boot looks like it will strecth tight when in 1,3,5 and kindo goofy not bunched up. Plus you added heigh when just about most everyone looks for shorter.
But good thinking and nice writup.

BTW, this would be the same for all Foci.

It is a little tall, but the stock shifter is so tall to begin with that it's just a drop in the bucket. The boot doesn't stretch in the odd gears, but only barely. I'm going to get a short throw sometime in the near future and have the shaft threaded down lower to try getting the most out of this shift knob. Updates will follow

~Mike~

[OmniFocus]

Hmm... I think I'll be doing just this. I have a short-throw with a lockout delete, so this should be cake!

Thanks for the idea!

[galeano]

can you take a picture not so close to the knob? iwant to see how it looks compared to the whole interior. thanks

[R-code]

Originally Posted by galeano

can you take a picture not so close to the knob? iwant to see how it looks compared to the whole interior. thanks

I'll see what I can do

~Mike~

[waynenewton]

awsome write up. not my thing, but can someoen link me to the reverse lock out delte

[nick]

Is the knob leather of plastic?

[R-code]

Originally Posted by nick

Is the knob leather of plastic?

Excellent question!!

The black surfaces are leather, the silver is painted with a very thin piece of plastic over it.

~Mike~

[omnipotentzx3]

that looks out of place (huge dildo maybe?)

[Pharcyde253]

What kind of seats do you have?

[o2_designs]

I like the shift knob. I liked way back when the 05'Mustang had just came out.

[R-code]

Originally Posted by Pharcyde253

What kind of seats do you have?

Stock.

~Mike~

[R-code]

Picture of the knob from further back:


Definately need a short throw

~Mike~

[LornesBored]

yes that does look like a huge dildo, even with a short throw shifter you will probably just be hitting if not a *tiny* bit more than stock height on the regular knob.

you must get rid of the reverse lockout in order to do this? not a fan of doing that!

[R-code]

Originally Posted by PerfectSaiyan

yes that does look like a huge dildo, even with a short throw shifter you will probably just be hitting if not a *tiny* bit more than stock height on the regular knob.

you must get rid of the reverse lockout in order to do this? not a fan of doing that!

My car never had a reverse lockout.

The knob only looks taller, it's actually just pulling the leather boot up higher. Don't worry, I'll get it down far enough one way or another.

~Mike~

[Z63R]

Another great write up with pics; you are good.

Some people don't realize the value of good ergonomics; having the shift lever immediately at hand (and without having to take your shoulder off of the seatback) can result in quicker, smoother shifts with better car control.

Most yell for a shortened lever, then have to reach for it; it's far better to have that shiftknob right next to the steering wheel. A short-throw shift quadrant (short throw shifter) works really well with a long shift levers; a shortened lever coupled to a short throw shifter results in poor shift feel and potential problems. How many threads have there been about that one?

Look into a race car interior and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Time to start a new trend, boyz, and R-code's the man to emulate...

[o2_designs]

I suppose this is a nit-picky thing that does'nt affect performance, but the boot looks stretched.
On a side note, I like the seats. And I really like the door insert pieces. Wonder if they would fit any early Foci

[SkreeminYella]

Hmmm. I ordered as 12mm billet aluminum shift knob from UPR Products, because I'd found another site that said both Mustangs and Focus' were 12mm threads. I got the knob and it had the same sized hole as the stock knob, but it had different threads. The stock was 12mm1.25 and the Mustang was 12mm1.75, if that makes any sense to anyone. I converted my stock shaft to accept the new knob, shortened it and it looks fantastic. I'll start a new thread and show pics -- Jesse

[TylerZX3]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-0...QQcmdZViewItem


$20 shipped



Thought I would pass that along.

[only_in_a_domestic]

thats the v6 mustang shifter.... i got my gf the gt one.... its all silver and has weight to it.... she also has a steeda short throw.... looks good

[TylerZX3]

Did you look at this auction?

NOS 05-06 Ford Mustang GT 5 Speed Shift Knob

# Part Number: 5R3Z-7213-BAA
# Description: 5 Speed Leather Shift Knob
# Application(s): 2005-2006 Ford Mustang

Note: Brand new, genuine Ford. This is the factory knob for 2005-2006 Mustang GT. This leather 5 speed knob is a true work of art, with great heft, excellent leather work.



Tyler

[Jeepsbeme]

Originally Posted by TylerZX3

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NOS-0...QQcmdZViewItem

$20 shipped

Thought I would pass that along.

That really is a great deal. MSRP for this part is $70.97!!

[steedafocusgirl]

great write up! Thanks!