Manual Trans Shift Boot

What a shift boot protects

The shift boot covers the opening in the floor or transmission tunnel where the shift lever passes through. It keeps dirt, water, noise and drivetrain heat from entering the cabin and keeps debris out of the shifter mechanism. Over the years rubber and vinyl crack, tear or shrink, and a damaged boot can let in drafts and road noise and expose the lever linkage to dirt.

Interior and outer boots

Many vehicles use more than one boot. An outer or exterior boot may seal the shifter housing at the transmission, and an interior boot sits at the floor and is the one you see from the driver's seat. Some designs add an inner boot beneath the carpet, or a retaining ring or bezel that holds the boot in place. Check whether the listing is for the interior, inner or outer location.

• Look at the transmission model number in the listing, such as T86, T90, T150 or AX5.
• Check engine references, since a 4.0L six-cylinder may be mentioned for compatibility.
• Note if a retaining ring, bezel or hardware is sold separately.

Matching to your transmission

Boots are made for specific gearboxes and shifter configurations. A boot for a 3-speed T86 or T90 differs from one for a 5-speed AX15, T4 or T5, and years and body styles can differ even within the same model line. Identify your transmission from a tag or the vehicle's build information before ordering, and confirm fitment for your exact year, make and model.

Installation tips

Most replacements are done by removing the shift knob, the trim ring or console pieces and, in some cases, a carpet panel. Take photos before disassembly. Many knobs thread on or are held with a set screw. Clean the mounting area and check the retaining ring and any foam seal. A properly sealed boot reduces noise and keeps dirt out of the shifter.

Work carefully around the shifter linkage so nothing bends, and test shifting through all gears before driving. Keep any shifter hardware organized for reassembly.

Appearance matters on an interior boot, so compare the listed material and attachment style. Some boots are vinyl with a sewn edge, while others are molded rubber. Replace a worn bezel or retaining ring at the same time for a cleaner finish.

Materials and construction

Shift boots are made from molded rubber, vinyl or leather, sometimes with a fabric backing or a stitched seam. Rubber is flexible and resists cold cracking, while vinyl tends to hold its shape and is easy to wipe clean. Leather looks good but may need conditioning. Some boots have a metal ring or a plastic retainer molded in, so they grip the shifter housing. Foam or felt liners reduce noise. Heat from the transmission tunnel and sunlight shorten the life of any boot.

Confirming fitment

Measure the opening in the floor, the diameter of the lever where the boot sits and the shape of the trim ring or bezel. Compare the old boot's bottom edge and the way it attaches, whether by clip, screws or a snap ring. Transmissions listed here include the T86, T90, T150, T170, AX5 and others, and the lever shape and boot size differ among them. Part numbers help, but the best check is to compare the old boot with the new one before installing. Confirm fitment for your exact year, make and model.

Common pairings

Many owners replace the boot along with the shift knob, the trim ring and sometimes the lever bushings, since a worn bushing lets the lever wobble.