Over time, these wear out. This shifter ball socket cup gets a lot of beating over the ages. Getting a new shifter ball socket cup can make a big difference in not only how your shifter acts, but performs as well. If you do install any new shifting mechanism, whether a new short throw shifter or, simply replacing your stock one, it's highly recommended to replace your shifter ball socket cup. You're already in it, if you're swapping out the shifter, why not?! You won't regret it!! I know that I don't regret it, not one bit!!!