this is a dumb question, but how do you remove the stock shifter?

 

isnt this like in the haynes manual haha

 

Grab the chiltons book and go to page 7-8, figure 16. that should help:lala:

 

To remove the shifter handle, first pull off the button on the top, it just lifts right up. After the top of the button is off, you'll see the actual button assembly, which contains a small black piece in the middle, and a larger black piece that surrounds the small piece. To remove that, press down on the outer piece, and rotate the inner piece until it comes out. Then remove the outer piece and the large spring under it. Once you've done this, look at the front of the shifter handle and you'll see a small clip. Use a small screwdriver or something similar to pry it out, and then just lift up and remove the shifter handle. And, your done. Installation is the reverse.

I know I'm not the best at explaining certain things, so I can elaborate if needed. Once you get the top of the button off, it's pretty much self-explanatory.