Abstract: A gear shift lever for a tilt cab vehicle that moves with the cab when it is tilted for access to other mechanical parts of the vehicle, for instance, the engine. The lever apparatus is resiliently engaged with the cab in a manner which substantially isolates the lever from cab vibrations. More particularly, the lever includes a lower end that is specially-mounted and releasably engaged with a complementary portion of a gear transfer mechanism, and an upper end available for shifting by an operator. The gear shift lever is preloaded to maintain the proper operative relationship between the shift lever and the complementary portion of the transfer mechanism when the cab is in an untilted or closed disposition. A protective cover is integrated with the lever apparatus to seal substantially the cab interior from the engine compartment and thereby prevent air and exhaust fumes from leaking into the cab.