Shift bushings replaced - shift alignment problems

[step4d]

I know this has been written about many times, but I've managed to mess up the shift alignment after installing all new bushings in the shifter and shift coupling.
Car is 1970 911T Targa, 4 speed.

I've read all the procedures:
1. mark the existing location of the shift rod on the shift coupler - did that, but when I disconnected the coupler, it apparently had some lubrication under it which did a fine job of erasing the marks (note to self - next time, scribe the location on the coupler metal post)
2. alignment of the shift lever (vertical, in neutral, pushed to the left, between 1st and 2nd)
3. rotate disconnected shift coupler all the way clockwise (toward the passenger side)
5. tighten the shift rod clamp onto the shift coupler
Drive to test.

Well, did all that and repeated it numerous times, and still can't get into second. 1st, 3rd and 4th and reverse are all fine.

Please tell me I missed something obvious and what I should do vs. "sorry, but you need to rebuild your trans."

I was thinking of putting the shift lever into 1st or 3rd, then loosening the shift coupler in case it wasn't located correctly for that gear?

Thanks,
Gary

[bugstrider]

Sorry to hear about your difficulty. I can not give you any pointers, simply because I will be in your exact shoes when I reinstall our 5 speed.

Just wanted to say thanks for asking this question and I will be following it closely.

Good luck and cheers


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[manbridge 74]

Sounds like a fore and aft issue. Loosen coupler and just push shifter back a tiny bit then tighten. Should allow 2nd to fully engage. Check for equal distance on 2/3 engagement with engine off. Then test.

[step4d]

Thanks manbridge. Will give it a try

[MichaelSJackson]

Since you seem to be able to get into reverse, I'll give you my shortened version.

1) Put it into reverse. The shifter and the trans are both set for reverse.
2) Now loosen the coupler.
3) If you "stir" the shifter, it should trace out a small rectangle. Place the shifter in the middle of this rectangle and tighten coupler. You don't want the shifter resting or pinned against any of the rectangle's sides. (That's true for all the gear positions.)
4) Now sift to the first gear position. (That's the greatest change possible. Both horizontal and vertical.)
5) Again "stir" the shifter, in first. It should also, rest in the middle of its rectangle; not pinned against any of the sides.
6) If it seems ok, then try for second. It should be fine as it is in the same planes as reverse and
first.

7) If first was not ok, determine which side or sides of the rectangle the shifter seems too tight. Shift back to reverse and loosen the coupler and adjust within the rectangle, but keeping away from any of the sides. (When correcting the adjustment, remember all the movements are reversed, because the ball pivot in the shifter turns left into right and forward into back.)

Glad I only sent a shortened version? It's not as complicated as I make it sound. I'm just very verbose.

I used the "start in neutral" method for years, but found there is too much play. If you can start in reverse, most of the play is already tuned out and you're only doing the fine tuning.

You could do the same adjustment with second and fifth. I choose reverse because it is the hardest to get into, with the shift lockout.

Good luck.

[AirJose]

If you have a 901/02 transmission is different. Follow this link: 902/1 trans shift coupler install!
John Walker instructions were perfect!
Jose

[step4d]

Most excellent!
Thank you Michael and Jose.
I will try all of these approaches.
Looks like the main difference is that I have a 911/00 4-speed, and have been following directions from online https://blog.*******.com/how-to-replace-shifter-bushings-classic-air-cooled-porsche-911 which is for a 1983 911SC - with a 915 trans.
Will report back. Thanks again!
Gary