Shift Coupler replacement?

[khamul02]

How do you know when the shift coupler needs to be replaced?

[livi]

I am not sure if their are any cardinal symptoms. I suppose its just one of those details that when worn make up for the troublesome 915 box.

I have a new coupler and the shift bushings ready to be installed. I will report back any improvement when I am done.

[DonMo]

Sloppy shifting but how can you tell that with a 915. I confirmed mine needing replacement by opening up the access panel in the back seat and checking for slop. Hold the bar up front and see what movement the shifter has, hold the back piece and see what movement the coupler makes. That hole shift coupler area has such a low margin of error. Every bit helps. If you really want to feel nice, spend the money on a Wevo shift coupler. Takes the mystery right out of it.

[Evans, Marv]

Not much can go wrong with the coupler (the metal part), but the bushings will disintegrate over time and need replacement. When replacing the coupler bushings you should probably replace the bushings at the front of the shift rod also. That usually solves slop in the shifting.

[khamul02]

Thanks guys, when looking at the coupler, there doesn't seem to be any visable damage or wear. I'm about to order the bushing kit, mounts, and a few other tidbits to try to get things a bit more precise.

[LakeCleElum]

I knew when mine went from shifting OK to the point of not being able to find 5th and reverse; in one day....The bushings can get so worn the pieces will acutally fall out.....Then you have no bushing, just a lot of slop........I was surprised it was one of the easier jobs I'd ever done on my '73.5.....Was less than a 1/2 hour deal and under $25 for the parts as I recall????

[dmcproud]

I replaced the bushings then the aluminum coupler cracked - don't know why..

Replaced the coupler, the bushings, put in a Porsche short shift kit with new bushing, Swepco and spent some time adjusting the shift mechanism.

Now it seems to be in top shape but still has its own personality

D

[t.brady]

i recently installed a wevo shifter and shift coupler (PSJ). they made a very positive improvement to the feel of the shifter. i can't say which part contributed more since i did both installs at the same time.

the shifting is now concise, the throws are shorter (but not too short), and it looks original. i went with the classic look shifter, no leather boot and a pre-87 4-speed shift knob.

the only adverse physical difference is the tranny feedback, in both noise and vibration, but it is very slight.

the install was simple.

[Tim Hancock]

I replaced mine with Delrin homemade bushings without the slots, my old ones did not "appear" worn out yet the shifter definitely has less "free play" than before. A very small amount of play at the coupler gets easily magnified at the end of the long shift lever. Non slotted shift coupler bushings supposedly can put undo stress on the transmission shifter input shaft, but I decided that mine was not going to give me any problems.

[Mookster]

Replace all the shift bushings at the same time.

1. shift lever ball cup bushing
2. linkage bushing
3. and shift coupler bushings

I replace the shift coupler bushings with the "poly bronze" bushings. No more slop. There is an increase in tranny noise transfered into the engine compartment. It doesn't bother me, but it is noticeable.