Shift coupler bushings

[mmasse]

I just replaced the shift coupler bushings. I expect the coupler to be tight after installing new bushing, but there is still a lot of play between the bushings and the shaft. Is this normal? It is not easy to show with pics, but if you look carefully at the pics below you will be able to see the gap I am refering to.

Should I be concern about this?

Thanks

[Bill Verburg]

shift coupler improvement

There have been a # of threads, the above is one.

I had some zero play brass pieces made, I think there is a 914 part that does the same thing.

[RarlyL8]

That doesn't look right. Every coupler bushing set I've replaced was very tight, almost difficult to install. Where did you get those greyish bushings?

[randywebb]

front to back play is normal and no cause for concern; if there is play up & down that is wrong

Bill's solution eliminates all of that play in all 3 directions, as do the $300 specialty couplers.

there is a thread discussing whether the play is needed to avoid undue strain on the tranny -- conclusion: unknown