TCI® Ford 5R55S StreetFighter® Ratchet Shifter Install

Since the birth of Ford 3-valve modular engine technology, the ’05-’09 Mustang GT has become one of the hottest performance vehicles on the market. However, the factory 5R55S shifter leaves much to be desired when it comes to street/strip performance. To solve this problem, engineers at TCI® have recently developed the StreetFighter® Ford 5R55S Ratchet Shifter which combines old school ratchet shifting with modern appearance and functionality.

A “Must Have” Upgrade for Street/Strip Mustangs

With positive stop action to eliminate the risk of neutral mis-shifts when manually “speed shifting” and to improve overall shift response, this innovative shifter also features a custom race-inspired billet handle, a genuine leather boot that is securely attached to the unit and a Park Release Arm that is NHRA/IHRA reverse lock-out rule compliant. The LED gear locator provides improved visibility for more accurate gear selection. In addition, an O/D button is located above the park indicator, giving your Mustang the perfect balance of performance street rod and daily cruiser.

The StreetFighter Ratchet Shifter® is a direct bolt-on replacement for the factory shifter and fits in the S197 Ford Mustang console without any modifications needed. You won’t lose any factory features or functionality as a result of this install. The TCI® shifter also utilizes the factory shift cable to make installation quick and easy (can be installed in 1-2 hours).

To see a demonstration of how simple installation of this impressive shifter can be, check out the following photo sequence which provides a series of steps and instructions for proper installation in the ’05-’09 model Ford Mustang.

Preparation:

The following tools are needed for proper intallation:

1. A lift or hydraulic floor jack.
2. Jack stands.
3. Phillips-head screwdriver.
4. Small flat-head screwdriver.
5. A socket wrench with 7mm socket, 10mm deep well socket and an extension.
6. Inch/lb. torque wrench.

Installation Sequence:

Step 1: Move the shifter into DRIVE position and apply the parking brake. Disconnect the battery, then raise the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.




















Step 2: Gently pry on both sides and ends of the shifter bevel to carefully remove it. DO NOT pry up in just one area!

Step 3: Remove the top piece of the center console by removing the screws towards the rear (under the arm rest). Gently work the removed section over the parking brake arm.




















Step 4: Remove the side panels of the center console by simply pulling them back and up. These are located under the dash at the front of the console.

Step 5: With the side panels out, remove the 2 screws at the front of the console and the 2 nuts located under the arm rest inside the storage area. If there is a power outlet in the rear of the console, make sure you unplug it before removing the console!




















Step 6: Carefully remove the center console.

Step 7: Now it’s time to get under the car. With a flat-head screwdriver, pry the tab inside the sliding lock that secures the connector to the shift arm. With the screwdriver held on the tab, slide the tab up to unlock the connector. From there, gently pry the shift cable away from the lever.




















Step 8: Moving up the shifter cable, you’ll come to a bracket with a locking clip. There are 2 small holes on the cable support bracket that keep the locking clip attached. Look at the TCI® shifter to understand how the cable is mounted. Next, press the lower locking ear on the connector through the small hole in the bracket using a small screwdriver and at the same time push up on the small tab. Do the same with the upper locking ear and tab. If you can’t get the upper tab to release, gently pry the shifter cable from the bracket using a screwdriver.

Step 9: Heading back inside the car, remove the 2 bolts and 2 nuts located on the outside corners of the shifter. Unplug the plug from the rear passenger side of the shifter and pull it to the side. Now you can remove the shifter.




















Step 10: Install the new TCI® StreetFighter® Ratchet Shifter and carefully run down and snug the 2 bolts and 2 nuts using a “crisscross” pattern. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! With a torque wrench, torque them down evenly to 80 in/lbs. using the same crisscross pattern. If this is not done correctly, damage will occur to the shifter.

Step 11: Make sure the TCI® shifter is in DRIVE and from under the vehicle, reattach the shifter cable to the cable support bracket.

Step 12: Carefully align the shifter cable end with the shift arm attachment. MAKE SURE you allow the sliding tab to align itself. If you even slightly force the cable in or out, the shifter will not function properly. After attaching the connector to the shifter arm, lock the cable into position by lowering the sliding lock. IMPORTANT: Be careful not to cycle the shifter cable through gears when attaching the shifter! Should this happen, you must put the transmission into the DRIVE position (4th gear). This can be verified by pulling the cable completely back to the rear position (1st gear). After doing that, push the cable forward 3 positions (or 3 detents).




















Step 13: Back inside the car, put the shifter in the PARK position and re-connect the battery cables. Turn on the ignition key and verify that the shift indicator shows an amber LED light in PARK only and that it moves smoothly from PARK and through each gear. Once you’ve done that, lower the vehicle.

Step 14: Reinstall the center console sections, side panels and shifter bezel.


Here are a few comparison shots of the two shifters side-by-side.




















View Instruction Sheet

Check out the TCI® website