how to open the shifter housing??
 

does anyone know how to open the shifter. i need to replace the little dust fliter that goes around the shifter itself because mine came off and i'm worried that somthing is gonna slip down there and get my shifter stock. any help is appreciated. thanks peeps

open ashtray lid, take out ashtray insert. Pull up on the front of the wood trim piece in front of the shifter (the large part that contains the window switches). This piece should pop up, lifting the shifter surround ring along with it. if you need to actually disassemble the shifter assembly you should be able to inspect it from here. If you do have to remove screws be SURE, ABSOLUTELY SURE not to drop anything down there or you very well may be looking at an expensive repair.

thanks 320. but i know how to do all that i but i need to actually open the shifter to it self the black piece thats under the wood trip shift gate.

Oh ok, i seem to remember seeing clips that held the shift gate on the shifter assembly when i took mine apart a while ago. i'd just poke around and see what you can do. Careful though, if its cold where you are the plastic will be more prone to break when you try to bend it.