Lube for gearshift housing

[vanwyk4257]

I just disassembled my early shift housing to install a Weltmeister short shift kit. I used an extra shifter that I bought which had good bushings, but some rust on the base. I'm going to sandblast the exterior of the plate and then reassemble it. I'm wondering what the correct or best kind of grease or lubricant to use on the shifter ball and socket is?

[Early_S_Man]

I have used EP Moly grease for decades ... though most people just use plain lithium grease. My current preference is for Valvoline SynPower Synthetic Grease with Moly ... #985 or #986.

You REALLY should try one of the '77 and later 915 shifters!

[Randy Webb]

Warren -- Let me ask about that, if it isn't too OT....

Are the 1977 & later shifters just easier to adjust so they shift as well as the earlier ones (they have that dingus on the front of the housing, right?) -- or do they actually feel better than the earlier ones?

Thanks, - Randy

[kach22i]

Synthetic grease won't rot out the rubber boots like the regular stuff, or at least that's what I have read. I used Mobil, nasty looking red stuff but no smell.

[vanwyk4257]

I already have the Weltmeister short shift kit for the early shift housing, otherwise I may have considered an upgrade. Thanks for the lube advice. I was going to just use regular wheel bearing grease, but now I'm thinking better of it. I'll look for some of the synthetic stuff!