915 - left-right slop in 3rd and 4th

[djb25]

Hi everyone,

I think I asked this question before, but I can't for the life of me find the thread...

Anyway, I have an issue with the 915 in my '77. When the car is in 3rd or 4th gear, the shifter has a lot of side-to-side play (roughly 2in). What's even more strange is that when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd, if I push the shifter to the left before making the shift, 2nd gear is basically straight back from 4th.

This "looseness" is present in the transmission shift-rod in the transmission tunnel as well (with the coupler removed), so it doesn't seem to be due to any bushing problems, etc.

My knowledge of the transmission is limited, but it seems to me like the 3rd/4th gate is missing. It makes me really nervous, because I have no idea where I'm shifting...

Anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this? I recall someone saying something about the shift fork (presumably the shift fork is the thing attached to the inspection plate?).

If I had a diagram that explained the way the 915 works, I might be better able to figure out the problem...

[Oh Haha]

First, you should check the cup bushing directly connected to the end of the shifter. You will need to removed the console and the shifter to check this.

Try doing a search in this forum under "shifter, bushings, etc." You will find more useful onfo than I could type right now.

Once you have gone through and replaced worn out bushings, if you still have the slop, then I would look into further transmission work. You'd be surprized how many guys find that new bushings make a huge difference. Hope this helps.