Abstract: A shift control mechanism has a shift tower including a mounting bracket on which a shift lever is mounted to permit fore-aft pivotal movement and transverse pivotal movement. Fore-aft movements provide a ratio selection and transverse movements provide a gate or range selection. An assist plate is pivotally mounted on the bracket to be driven by the shift lever during the fore-aft movement. The assist plate cooperates with the mounting bracket through a spring to provide a force directed to assist in the completion of the shift movement. A detent mechanism is incorporated in the shift tower between the assist plate and the bracket to provide shift feel in feedback to the operator, especially in the neutral condition.