I just put in a short shifter and the dust shield tore when I was taking it off the old shifter. Its only about a 1 inch tear, do you think I should replace it sometime or will it be fine.

 

I've had a 1" tear or so in mine since God knows when... I assume you're talking about the rubber boot that's underneath the leather shift boot? It just prevents water from getting into the cabin, really. No biggie.