Shift Coupler Help!!

FA-18C · 04-07-2005, 03:45 PM

I am finally fixing my horribly degenerated shifter slop, and after pulling the tunnel cover am in the middle of replacing my shift coupler. In the middle becauase I cannot get the new one to seat on the rod that goes to the tranny. Just does not want to seat, and I am wary of banging away with anything blunt, or forcing the issue to where I cause tranny damage. Any help is most welcome.

This is definitely the culprit as there were absolutely no bushings in the coupler and it was quite a mess. I hope to knock this out this evening and be back on the road for the weekend.

Thanks
Chris

PorscheGuy79 · PorscheGuy79's Garage

I had a machine shop press it into the coupler, seems to be the best way. An easy 10 bucks saved me 50 over a new coupler.

FA-18C · 04-07-2005, 04:07 PM

Umm, that's not the problem, I have a new coupler (old one was trashed) and I am having a heck of a time getting it to seat on the shift rod heading to the tranmission.

FrayAdjacent911 · 04-07-2005, 04:13 PM

maybe you could try to check the size of the opening on the coupler. If it's a bit tight, you might try some rough sand paper to work it down a bit to fit it over the nub. Or if you have a Dremel....

tycharle964 · 04-07-2005, 04:15 PM

stromski racing shift coupler...problem solved

look in pano

FA-18C · 04-07-2005, 04:19 PM

again, already have a new coupler in hand, just want to install it

MobileWrks · 04-07-2005, 04:34 PM

you need a vise.. if you do not have one, it will be very hard.. also, slightly chanfer the edges so it will start without catching the lip. on one side first,use a 14mm deep socet with a small extension,flip it over put a flat puddy knife as a base, take a larger punch on the flat plate of the vise and TAP it in. Be gentle. it will go in... GOOD LUCK.. hopefully you marked where you need to reinstall it... Jimmy

Early_S_Man · 04-07-2005, 04:36 PM

Chris,

First, make sure there isn't a bur or other machining irregularity in the bore of the new coupler which slides over the shift rod.

Second, look for a bur, or raised-up 'nub' around the conical seat for the set screw resulting from a loose coupler set screw wallowing around in the past. If you find one ... a carbide 'ball' cutter, or abrasive ball can be used to remove the offending obstruction.

rcecale · rcecale's Garage

Chris,

When it coomes time to purchase the coupler, do you know who you plan to order it from? (just kidding...

)

Seriously, have you tried freezing it? Might be worth a try to stick it in the freezer for a few hours.

Randy

VaSteve · 04-07-2005, 05:01 PM

i was having trouble getting mine on. I put it on as far as it would go and it was still ~ 1cm away from the hole for the conical nut. I tightened down the front part (connected to the shifter) and pulled on the shifter to get it lined up. Took a couple of tries but it worked. Tightend the conical nut and then loosened up and adjusted the shifter where I thought it should go. It's too close to my leg in 1st and 2nd so I was have to make some further adjustments.

FA-18C · 04-07-2005, 05:09 PM

Thanks guys. I fired up the dremel moto tool and smoothed out what appeared to be a machine spline, and after a couple of iterations it snugly slid on. Lined the conical nut and snugged her down. With all of the mickying, the tranny slipped in to neutral, so I put the stick in the mid range, and tightened down the shift bar about where I thought it was from the old coupler. Ran through the gears, seemed OK so tightened eveything, and ran around the block. Kept the tunnel cover off and imagined all kinds of strange noises. I think the adjustment is pretty close, but will maybe fine tune tomorrow. It shifts a heck of a lot better already and the side ways slop is amzingly better, as is the longitudinal. After the drive, re-tightened everything. I did notice the shifting noises are a tad bit louder with the cover off and the seats forward. So far so good. Thanks for the help.

I also thought of freezing the part as well, that was my next step.

FA-18C · 04-07-2005, 05:11 PM

It is soooo good to have this beast back on the road after an 8 month hiatus. Pray for blue skies. Now I just need to install my dash, and finally get around to tweaking and painting the S bumper.

tycharle964 · 04-07-2005, 05:56 PM

sorry didn't know you had a new one,

i thought maybe you were refurbing an old one by replacing the bushings, which give us trouble sometimes

the stromski one, which I am not affiliated with used a set allen screw and didn't pose the need for any light machining

guess I should have read some more before I replied