idk what do to. the idiot who owned this 87 chevy jb welded the 8ball shifter to the rod... and i dont want tht ugly thing on there anymore. is it hard to replace the shifter rod? and is it expensive? or is there a way i can get it off.

 

I assume its an actual "8 ball" as in billiard ball. I believe these are cast from hard plastic. You may be able to break it in two by first cutting it with a hack saw or cut off wheel. Youll need to cut it as close to shift lever as possible. Then try driving a chisel into the cut. Careful not to damage the shifter mechanism. Parts of it will probably be left behind on the lever and youll have to clean it up. As far as replacing the shift lever, the T5 is a top loader and the shift lever is not hard to R&R. Someone on TGO might know better than I do. Not sure if the lever comes apart out side the tranny.

 

im assuming its an 8ball ****. not an accual 8ball. and im wondering why he did that. maybe he stripped the thread on the ****.. but i try and turn it to break it loose and im accually twisting the shifter alittle(not doing damage) but i dont wanna accually turn it to where it might do damage. all i know if i want tht stupid thing off.. i just want a black mettallic ball with a chevy symbol on it for a shift ****