How to Change the Shifter Knob on a Silverado

When customizing your truck, there are lots of different options available for tricking out the inside to match the outside. With the Chevrolet Silverado, one of the most popular modifications to do is replacing the stock shift knob on the column with one made of billet aluminum because of the low cost of the parts. In this case, the project vehicle is a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado, but the process is similar for other vehicles as well.

Things You'll Need

  • 1/4-inch ratchet
  • 1/4-inch Torx head socket set
  • Replacement shifter
  • Blue thread locker
  • Park the vehicle on a level surface and make sure the automatic transmission is in park. Push down the emergency brake pedal with your left foot to ensure that the vehicle won't roll if you accidentally shift the lever out of place.

  • Pull down the rubber boot that goes around the base of the shifter manually. This can be very tight so be careful not to rip it in the process.

  • Unbolt the shifter from the steering column using the 1/4-inch ratchet and the 1/4-inch Torx head sockets. Slide the shifter out of the mount on the steering column.

  • Slide the replacement shifter into the stock mount on the steering column. Then apply the blue thread locker to the stock bolt and install it onto the shifter using the 1/4-inch ratchet and the 1/4-inch Torx head sockets. Pull the rubber boot back over the stock boot manually, again, being careful not to tear the boot.