Dorman Did It Right! Jeep Manual Transmission Shift Tower

[@SouthMainAuto]

Sorry about the crap audio in the second half of the video, something happened with my new camera and I didn't know until I was putting it together. Still thought the info was good enough is someone wanted to know if this was an actual solution. I'll get it right next time! 🤷🏼‍♂ -Eric O. Dorman 697-024 Manual Trans Shift Tower Kit: amzn.to/3bQfndh

[@edwatts9890]

Don't worry -- you'll get better after you have some experience! ;-)

[@mikebeson3866]

WHAT?

[@frankvucolo6249]

Yup, you will tweet it. Video is awesome. 4k? Share your camera info if you will. I’m thinking about a new cam for my videos.

[@ShainAndrews]

No worries. I had Casey Kasem step in for a voice over.

[@DaveDivesIn]

All good Brother, keep up the good work!

[@johnhanselman6371]

This is the first time I remember a complement towards Dorman. Good for them.

[@renof2505]

First time in 25 years they may have deserved a compliment. Most of their stuff is JUNK!

[@stephroll9708]

Now imagine if it was a compliment and not a complement

[@LAactor]

​@@renof2505 We all know from this channel and also from Wes the probs with Dorman's stuff. But that's because they're in everything to replace almost every little breaking part on a car truck or van. The thing is it's such a giant company, not all of it is made in China or by the same junk places. There has been talk of some quality places being bought out by them and because of that, the dorman part was improved! Somehow I remember was it Wes who put a prop shaft in and noticed the improved design? Someone. But I recall Eric in a very old video fumbling on a rear door hatch handle not even fitting right.. maybe six or so years ago. Times change.

[@spelunkerd]

It is nice to occasionally see aftermarket companies raise the bar, even when the original manufacturer won't commit engineering time to help. Once vehicles exceed the extended warranty clock, manufacturers consider old vehicles to be competition. The only way to get some control of that is if consumers demand more, by making it a reputational hit.

[@MrCliverlong]

"Once vehicles exceed the extended warranty clock, manufacturers consider old vehicles to be competition." Excellent point !!

[@ppeterson9359]

“Dorman for the win.” Never thought I’d see the day!

[@samsquires2877]

The world must be ending if SMA is praising and recommending Dorman Products.

[@mikethompson9745]

A vendor rep from Dayton Parts mentioned that Dorman bought them, This was awhile ago, I groaned because it was Dorman, Fast forward My Rep and I talked Quality and Dorman evidently is now an OEM supplier and has really increased their quality, Only time will tell. I hope its true.

[@55azguy]

Don’t believe it Dorman is still the company you believe them to be. Quality parts hard for me to believe.

[@peacefrog0521]

As someone who works for an OEM supplier, hearing this makes me scared to buy a new car in the future.

[@scrappy7571]

Fixed it for you... "OEM manufactures have really lowered their quality"

[@Sicktrickintuner]

@@scrappy7571 yep , i work in a plant, you should see the junk they try to send us sometimes

[@scrappy7571]

@@Sicktrickintuner I work in a dealer, you should see the crap OE parts there, made in China too.

[@haroldbenton979]

Dorman also came out with the better intake tube for the 3800 series for GM cars. Instead of plastic they made them out of extruded aluminum for the coolant tube that melted all the time.

[@Yophillips3272]

Some reason they still sold the plastic ones, which was even cheaper than Oem, I guess for the purists that wanted a leaky 3800 lol

[@michaelkrenzer3296]

Then Felpro one-upped them on LIM's and Upper intake improvement...but you still have to buy the Dorman metal coolant elbows and put ANY other o-ring on them before install (preferably OEM) because Dorman could not get it 100% right.

[@MRrwmac]

Eric, I’m sure a lot of jeep Wrangler owners are gonna be thankful for this video!

[@peacefrog0521]

Dorman making a part better than the original FCA Jeep part? Well it is a low bar to climb over….

[@Cheepchipsable]

I'm sure Dorman are acting on this as we speak!

[@mikeafa1]

I'm sure the high mileage had something to do with it. It was almost at 200k. Oem part I'm sure was triple the price.

[@clovishound5756]

@@mikeafa1 200K is nothing for a manual. All of my Toyotas had well over 300K when I got rid of them, and the shifters were still working perfectly. Also, the engine needed to be replaced at 200K? Most decent manufacturer's engines are easily 300K. I've never taken a car to the scrapyard because the engine was worn out, and that's with conventional oil it's whole life.

[@Rmehki]

That’s a Daimler (Mercedes) designed NSG370 transmission, they used it 2004-18

[@weasel884]

Almost as bad as keystone being better than coors light!

[@dougkubash8673]

Wonders will never cease!! There was a day back in the '60s and '70s when Dorman made quality bolts!

[@jasonmurdoch9936]

And in 🇺🇸

[@ianmorris8534]

Loved the Fallout "Please Stand By" screen :)

[@mavicaerials8825]

Must be the first Dorman "anything" that actually works!

[@Paul1958R]

Eric, Great video! You are an honorable man - you criticize bad products where due and you praise good products where due. Thank you. SMA#1 Paul (in MA)

[@Big_Loo]

I remember when Dorman actually made good products. A lot of the time, they were your only option for some hard to find parts.

[@timwintersoncntr]

As an old-school gasket user, I can attest to years of excellent seals as long as the gasket is reasonably thin and is coated, top and bottom, with bearing grease---never dry and never cork.

[@JTIZZO]

I can't believe Dorman built anything that works. I was gonna tell you about the audio, but you already know....

[@MrWoodyBalto]

I'm no mechanic, nor do I pretend to be, but I can't be the only guy that never heard the words "Anaerobic Gasket Maker". My limited experience has me using RTV for intakes, water pumps and other mating surfaces that one finds on an engine or transmission. I did google it so now I know where and when it should be used. Thanks for outstanding video's Mr. O. And tell Mr's O Howdy from a guy. 😋

[@SteelheadTed]

Same

[@slasher9883]

Anaerobic sealer is only designed to fill very small gaps in instances where you have very well machined mating faces with tight tolerances. For example gearbox cases. In most cases like manifolds/water pumps etc a good quality RTV is the appropriate sealer, though I don't like using RTV on anything unless it cannot be avoided.

[@LovingAllLife]

Nice to see a manual transmission being used correctly

[@scottmarshall6766]

I miss the old Halomar sealer. It was my goto for split crankcases ala Chainsaws. ATVs, motorcycles and snow machines. Good for Transfer cases etc, even some intakes. I was told it was discontinued as it had something nasty in it. The new stuff seems to work ok, but cures slower and seems less tolerant of imperfect surfaces and a little oil (assy lube) creepage. It also is a lot more expensive (no shock there I guess). Glad to see Dorman maybe getting back in the game, 30 years ago, when they were "Motormite" they had pretty good stuff no one else made. I just put a Dorman GM corporate 10 bolt cover on my 99 Tahoe, and It was OK but needed some threadseal on the plug. Not a deal breaker for the price. Maybe they are actually getting that their reputation has gone bad in the last few years. Thanks Mr O for another good tip and supporting video!

[@davidwharton466]

Eric your attention to detail is so refreshing!! When a mechanic second guesses themselves to make it 100% correct is ALWAYS a good thing! Anyone that sees your video’s knows exactly what they receive bringing their troubles for repair. Trust is a rare commodity these days, your doing it with ease!! Thank you😁😎😎👏

[@j81851]

I'm not even gonna comment cause David Wharton did such a good job, hit the nail on the head and cannot be said better Eric O forever!

[@bwalker4194]

I sold Dorman stuff back in 1980. At $450 for this part, I can see that they’ve adopted OEM pricing. Lets hope that they have also raised their game to OEM standards as well.

[@mmiller1188]

Interesting! I had a 2008 that was always popping out of gear.

[@michaelmarks8954]

As I watch your videos and see you carefully clean and prevent gunk from falling into the wrong places I wonder why a lot of independents and dealers just don’t give a crap.🇺🇸🇨🇦🇺🇸

[@kylemiller2920]

100% I had a coolant flush and fill done at the dealership before going on a road trip home to see my folks. I got to their place saw some water on the driveway when unloading (thinking it was just the AC drain) didn't think anything of it until the next morning when it was still dripping, got down and realized they stripped the drain plug and the radiator was leaking. Long story short, a local shop there fixed the stripped drain plug and the dealership paid for it, but I never go to that dealership for service anymore.

[@LoneWolfSparty]

Flat rate is why, service advisors and service managers who rush technicians to get jobs done properly, so they can move onto the next job for more $$$ is why. Sometimes, the labor times given are completely wrong. Also, sometimes service advisors and service managers over promise on the time it takes to do certain jobs, not realizing what's involved or checking to see how busy the tech is.

[@randallbollinger9625]

I’m liking the customer vehicle sunshade and I agree

[@nope9966]

I can't believe how much you have grown on your channel i have been watching since around when you had 14,000 subscriber's congratulations man keep going

[@vigilantemotors]

Hey, if you like channels like this then maybe you can check mine out. Similar stuff and it may be helpful to you. Thanks and I hope to see you over there.

[@harrisonkatzz7090]

DORMAN made a part that works ? Amazing!

[@bltoth1955]

Your buddy Scotty Kilmer is a Big Ol’ fan of Dorman Products.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Dorman for the win??? Say it ain't so Eric 😂😂

[@Hazeyone7977]

Doorman! I am really surprised that worked as well as it did! Good job Mr O!

[@christopherweise438]

I far as i knew "Doorman" was the guy who let you into your NY high rise. DORMAN was the auto parts supplier. 😉

[@Hazeyone7977]

@@christopherweise438 lol! Autocorrect got me.

[@christopherweise438]

@@Hazeyone7977 - I figured. It's all good man.

[@miketanner1920]

Love the fallout reference brother

[@johndesaavedra1040]

Amazing that all 4 holes lined up. No rat-tail file for this Dorman part!

[@kenchilton]

Wow. Dorman. Who woulda thought? Now I have seen everything.

[@slocavky]

Holy crap. Dorman finally did something right... I'm shocked... Great video...

[@peacefrog0521]

Blind squirrel gets a nut 😀

[@bertgrau3934]

Tony, Lets hope they don't hear about this, I'm sure they will change something to make it cheaper and not workable.

[@nosefirst]

A complement for Dorman from South Main? I had to drop everything and watch!

[@krdorgan]

Guess its a testament to how well Jeeps are made when Dorman makes a better part than OEM.

[@223569988741411]

You caught my attention when you said Dorman had a good part. You have many videos complaining of their poor quality. Glad to see they can do something right. Great video!

[@myronsherman8571]

Never caught a video as #1! Love watching the master at work

[@markroper9269]

Good video! Local cops must think you are weird!! Have a great weekend!!

[@mikedaugharty5544]

Eric never thought I would have hey time when you would say Dorman products are good units never thought it would happen hey for only proves they can improve if they want to improve

[@Garth2011]

Finally Dorman came through for SMA with a positive note. They aren't always bad in fact, I have had good experiences with their products more than I have not. Additionally, they warranty their parts for life, not that we want to have a warranty vs. good parts but at least they stand behind them longer than others do. Wow...that Pentastar engine crapped out ? Good review on that parts. Thanks.

[@dipdippotatochip9104]

Some of their parts are a no brainer to buy, especially the ones that replace the weak plastic for either steel or aluminum, especially when it comes to the cooling systems.

[@kinglangren]

I do have to admit sometimes they get it correct. Dorman makes an Chevy clutch pedal bracket that is the best one I’ve seen. I have replaced this one 4 times on my sons truck due to a heavier duty clutch that was previously installed. Haven’t done it since.

[@volvo09]

Awesome! This is one of the times I fully support using aftermarket parts, when they are developed to solve a specific issue... Such as this shifter, or a weak piece, etc...

[@alanwilby9927]

//.ERIC.... GASKETT AND SEAENT WORKS EVERY TIME .... GOOD JOB !!

[@Bekim8310]

Wow. A Doorman product that actually doesn’t suck!

[@ericgunter45]

Yet

[@toddhiggins6318]

Every time I watch a Just Empty Every Pocket video it makes me love my Honda Certified Reliable Vehicle CRV. 1997 Honda CR-V 213k + miles takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

[@robj2704]

Dorman is really getting fancy with their offerings. It's a long way since the days of the plumbers' strap (just kidding, but they used to make some really dicey stuff).

[@FortWorthMobileMechanic]

Eric O have a POSITIVE thing to say about Dorman part! Has Dorman actually made something that is not broke when you bought it? Lol

[@bigdaddymak1439]

Dorman makes lots of good parts that don't require circuit boards or engine control. They are a supplier for many manufacturers also. Eric O use a fan assembly on a Honda I believe because it was the only thing available and worked fine. But engine management or computer control stuff not so much

[@johnhpalmer6098]

The last thing I had to replace was the electric window crank in my 03 Mazda on the 5th of July was from Doorman, and it was the ONLY manufacture available, so bought it locally (not at Naper, but Autozone) and it's been good so far, went in and installed good too, works good as well. That is the entire window regulator assembly when I think the factory unit broke its clip at the cable on the 4th, so had to drive with down the entire day trip to meet up with family.

[@edwatts9890]

@@johnhpalmer6098: "Napper"!

[@johnhpalmer6098]

@@edwatts9890 Napa, it's Eric's pronouncement of Napa, as in just because.

[@edwatts9890]

@@johnhpalmer6098: Yeah, I "get it"; but, with only one "p", it is pronounced, "NAY-per"!

[@psiebers]

Just completed this in < 4hrs in a 2007 Rubicon. Didn't need to do anything underneath the Jeep. All went in from the top. My gasket was white pool noodle like material. It became really easy to work after I hit it for 5 mins with a clothes steamer all over. I had to use a pipe over the shift stubby as a breaker bar to bust the old tower loose. The Dorman tower's radius on one of the bolt corners was not enough to provide clearance for the bolt's shoulder. I took a dremel to the bolt and ground off enough so I could get it in. Other than that it shifts like new and took care of my popping out of first.

[@zoidberg444]

Never thought I'd see Dr O praise Dorman. 😂

[@ronwatson4902]

I've had pretty good luck with Dorman.Thanks for the great tips as always.

[@ptakvm]

Eric O, how about getting a new Dorman Mic cause I can't hear you ! And while you're at it, how bout more air time for the lovely Mrs. O ! ! ! !

[@nathanbeach3399]

Had one a couple of years ago that would pop out of 3rd and 4th. Witch there was a tsb for the syncro witch we did, and lasted about 3 months and came back. Did some research and end up putting a B&M shifter in it and ended up fixing it.

[@funnydubby6401]

Dorman has stepped up there game, just like the classic 4.6 2 valve coolant leak on the intake manifold, they swapped the design to metal, they ain’t good for electronics tho still 😂

[@rickgaine3476]

Will there be a video on the removal and installation of the new engine in his Jeep?

[@stevec5657]

It's too bad Jeep didn't continue the 4.0L straight 6 indefinitely. I've owned 2 XJ's and know lots of other Jeep owners with that motor. Powerful and reliable. Thanks for the video.

[@riblets1968]

But for the EPA, I'm sure they would still offer it or something like it.

[@k9under]

Yes sir i agree i Own 2 X J now them 4.0 liter inline 6 are bullet- proof.

[@46fd04]

Great video. Probably the first time in history that Eric O. likes a Dorman product 😀

[@riblets1968]

The best response to legitimate criticism is to step up your game.

[@williedelgado1082]

Sealant that's fluid will seal all imperfections on flanges opposed to solid gaskets.

[@Thatdavemarsh]

Oooh. I have this problem sometimes. Thanks!

[@kellismith4329]

I have had good luck with some of dorman products, for the most part they usually improve the anomolies

[@mikerobbins5049]

Another good job Eric. I had a 2010 Wrangler. We put 125,000 mi on it with now major problems. It was auto and I did have to replace the shifter cable plastic bushings twice while out on a trail in Az and again another time in Moab. I have heard about the manual shifter problem.....

[@craigsowers8456]

WOW ... Dortman coming up with something better than OEM !!!

[@conrailfan6277]

As a new Jeep owner I approve this Video, I have a built Charger Hemi and I'm having more fun building my Jeep, go figure!!! You might end up being sponsored by Dorman Eric!! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@mnmarlin6074]

Appreciate the fact that you call out a good product even though it came from Doorman! Keep up the great videos, really enjoy them and learfn so much!

[@budd5607]

A quality Dorman part, who would have thunk ?😊

[@TheGreatGastronaut]

Hurst has had a similar item available for years. The biggest difference I can see between the Dorman one you installed and the Hurst model is the Hurst is all metal, like the stock one. The Dorman appears to have a molded plastic housing. Not sure what that means for durability and weather resistance. I installed the Hurst version in my 2013 Wrangler about 5 years ago and wow, what a difference. I was able to do it without dropping the tranny. And yes, the supplied gasket DID leak. After a few thousand miles I had to pull it off and use sealant. I live on a dirt farm road and the Hurst never pops out. Seems you were having the same experience bumping around in that field. Keep up the great videos!

[@garylgoldberg]

I have an '07 JK with the 3.8L/NSG370 trans, and I've had the jump-out-of-first issue the entire time I've had it (second owner). I replaced the shift tower with the B&M one, and while I like it a lot, it DID NOT fix my issue. There's a well-known issue with under-engineered synchros in this trans, requiring a tear-down and replacement with the later-engineered replacement. The shift tower upgrade did help though, I've gotten used to it by this point and didn't want to reman the trans to fix it.

[@mironeko3820]

I put a Dorman EGR tube in my 98 Ranger 4 cyl and it's still intact 5+ years later... good to know Dorman sells more than one good part.

[@whyzee125]

Dorman has a good exhaust manifold/header for the earlier Wrangler (TJ) too. The OEM one is cast and always cracks at relatively low mileage due to the heat expanding and contracting it. Dorman's replacement is tubular and has bellows too. Nice part!

[@donnlowe9129]

Can I believe my ears? A dorman part that is actually quality.

[@richardcarlson3627]

Perfect application for the anaerobic gasket maker as opposed to silicone.

[@brandontyler1754]

Dorman makes some good products. The old Saturn S series cars used to have a little plastic nipple on the back of the exhaust manifold which had a coolant return line on it. Of course being where it was and being plastic the nipple would often melt off and the motor would start shooting coolant out the back. Only way to fix it was to replace the entire manifold because it was part of that assembly. But dorman realized that was a separate hole on the back of the motor and that if you had a hack saw you could saw the corner off the manifold, everything would still seal and then they invented a metal nipple that bolted on where the part you cut off the manifold used to be. It was an ingenious design, fixed the problem of that nipple melting, and prolonged the life of my SL2 that was otherwise on its way to the scrap heap because I couldn't afford a manifold job.

[@yambo59]

A Dorman part that WORKS-? Im surprised Eric wasnt elaborating on the subject after all the weak Dorman products hes dealt with. Nice call on nixing the gasket Eric, one comment said they had leaks with the gasket so yeah good call-!! experience and a reliable gut feeling can be very valuable in preventing future headaches.

[@Spinonemaster]

I like your videos before I even watch them, I'm either learning something or get a good laugh as you go thru your day .. hope you, Mrs. O and the kids & pets are having a good summer !

[@haroldkidwell6703]

Wow an actual good dorman part

[@raybates3119]

I have a 2002 TJ with a NV3550 5 speed. The shifter got so sloppy that it was hard to find the slots between gears. I ordered a new tower (I think I actually got it off of Ebay) just hoping it would help a bit. It shifts like it's brand new now. There was a plastic piece on the bottom of the shifter that had completely worn out and was allowing all of the slop. If I had looked into it, I'm sure I could have just replaced the plastic part but it was well worth the 80 bucks or so I spent on the new tower.

[@samrugtiv3839]

Big dorman came threw this time. Dam good job Eric. Sam

[@wallingj68]

I thought you had installed a new shift tower, but instead is sounds like you installed a muffler. ;-) (I did read your comment) Thank you for the Saturday pick-me-up!

[@shoosh9996]

His new camera is a Dorman.😀

[@mict50]

Almost no sound at all on my big tv 😢

[@johnhpalmer6098]

@@mict50 I heard the second half, but it WAS too soft to hear easily.

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

Dorman actually made a replacement part that fit and worked better than oem.

[@THESMARTERMAN555]

There are some pretty good dorman products, especially the one that are made to correct an oem problem. I have had problems with some of their electronic parts though.

[@jamram9924]

Melling is also a great aftermarket parts provider. Their engine oil pumps for Ford 4.6 and 5.3 engines are a vast improvement over Ford OE pumps.

[@drbichat5229]

I owned a Chrysler product once, I am not surprised Dorman is better than OEM

[@wackey3455]

Your a very lucky man been able to work on all them cars and especially you know your stuff I would love to be able to do the work your doing and get paid for it

[@ganeshnarayan5505]

Mr.O you and Mr Dorman are friends now.

[@epipolarus]

Somehow my experiences with Dorman were all positive, from a $1800 hybrid battery to control arms, blend door actuators, nuts and bolts.

[@williamsquires3070]

Well, there’s nothing like a little off-roading adventure in a car repair video! 😅

[@FortyTwoAnswerToEverything]

I have a Dorman coolant overflow tank that replaced the rotted swiss cheese OEM tank in my 03 Envoy

[@WBOS72]

B&M has one too Rric. Great video.

[@richiesmith2292]

I saw the notification and thought you got hacked. Looks good though! Hopefully they’ve stepped up their game

[@GHRTaco]

I used the B&M shifter and on my Jeep but I used the gasket maker as well and not the gasket. But B&M suggested gasket maker and didn’t provide a gasket.

[@daroccot]

Never had issue with my 16 year old nissan popping out of gear... other stuff sure, but always stays in gear. lol. nice fix.

[@GarageWorx]

Looks like a nice replacement unit.

[@MazichMusic]

I bought Dorman lug nuts for my wife's Fusion. The OEM nuts had the chrome covers which created rust under them, causing swelling so bad that they would not fit the lug wrench. So far, so good. I had the same problems with my older Fords that had "styled steel wheels."

[@robertheinkel6225]

I had to do the same thing on my 17 Escape.

[@richardogle7772]

Nice video glad you posted it audio didn’t bother me

[@kentadams2983]

What's better than a Chrysler transmission? A Dorman part in a Chrysler transmission! That's setting up a competition of what will break first.......

[@sandy1653]

Gasp! Dorman did something right? Wonders never cease.

[@daviddamico4288]

Nice work Eric, you do awesome work..

[@kenlandsman6289]

Delivering the Solid Upgrade - Not my problem ATM but just proves You to be a Solid Guy addessing it... - KUDO's to You & GB

[@kenlandsman6289]

& so that's why my extensions don't fit my sockets anymore ... lol Oh well - a Dime a Dozen... - I can always hammer em on... Lifetime follower - Luv ya Bro !!!

[@arc00ta]

Always go with the gut when you're an experienced mechanic!

[@iQixel]

Was sold on the b&m shifter 😥, didn't even know this existed. 2014 jku's next purchase, thanks Mr. O!