tarcoleo 119 #1 Posted October 15, 2009 Sure 8-speed boots are available for about $10 total. I didn't know that at the time when I was scratching around for a replacement. The stock boot seems to be mostly cosmetic just sitting loosely on top of the trans. That being said, I wondered what could perform the same function as well or better. My answer was a tennis ball, $0.67 each. The ball was cut about 1/3 and 2/3, not half, and the 2/3 part defuzzed with a butane torch. The 1/3 portion was discarded. In the center of the 2/3 part, a 3/8 in. hole was cut (trepanned). The piece was slipped over the gear shift and brought down to the tran. The front of the "boot" was relieved to accommodate the irregularity on top of the trans. just forward of the lever. A washer was run down the lever on top of the new boot and the washer and boot were secured with a miniature hose clamp. Ain't stock but does a job. Tom in RI :scratchead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kelly 1,029 #2 Posted October 15, 2009 We do what we have to do, at least your keeping water out, and by the way the last boots I bought where $4 each from toro, don't buy them off ebay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oldandred 15 #3 Posted October 15, 2009 if one looks at a toilt yes toilt you can use a flapper the one that looks like a half ball just cut the bottom a little and a small hole for the shifter after all there in water all trhe time arent they ?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tarcoleo 119 #4 Posted October 15, 2009 "and by the way the last boots I bought where $4 each from toro, don't buy them off ebay." ----- Now I know, thanks Kelly. Tom in RI Oldlandred- Looked at toilet flappers and wasn't smart enough to see that they would work too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MikesRJ 552 #5 Posted October 16, 2009 if one looks at a toilt yes toilt you can use a flapper the one that looks like a half ball just cut the bottom a little and a small hole for the shifter after all there in water all trhe time arent they ?? Huh? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
travisg84 1 #6 Posted October 16, 2009 I think he is talking about the float in a toilet tank?? :scratchead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 10,992 #7 Posted October 16, 2009 No not a float a flapper -the rubber flap that lifts up from the bottom of the toilet tank to let the water out. A lot of these are made of good quality rubber and have a half circle ball type shape that would configure nicely over the top of the uni-drive shift stick and protect the transaxle from the outside elements! Probably cheaper than $4 from Toro too! Good one oldandred! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,857 #8 Posted October 16, 2009 I think that is so cool...that you took the time to de-fuzz the ball with a torch. Yankee ingenuity always wins. :scratchead: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
linen beige 14 #9 Posted October 17, 2009 A lot of these are made of good quality rubber and have a half circle ball type shape that would configure nicely over the top of the uni-drive shift stick and protect the transaxle from the outside elements! Probably cheaper than $4 from Toro too! Good one oldandred! The types that are made of decent materials usually cost at least $4, unless you maybe found a bulk supplier. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
