Any tips on adjusting shift coupler?
 

I just replaced all of my shifter bushings this weekend and everything went pretty easily, save a stripped allen-head screw on the shifter. I've got everything back together in the car, but I still need to reinstall the shifter coupling.

I have the transmission in first, as recommended in Wayne's book. Are there any suggestions as to how to reinstall and adjust the coupler? I've heard that this can be a ticklish and time-consuming process.

Thanks.

yeah, it moves in the opposite direction you'd expect because it's on the underside of the pivot point. When you move the shifter toward reverse (to the left or anti-clockwise), the coupler rotates to the right or clockwise...but because you face the back of the car when adjusting it...it's still opposite, just the other way...

sjd

Wayne's book says to put the trans in first and then put the shift lever in the first gear position. Everyone else says put the trans in neutral and turn the couple clockwise (if your facing forward) as far as it goes and then push the shift lever all the way to the left positioned in neutral between first and second. I've done it both ways and it works either way just fine. At least for me it did. The one thing I did play with a little was the distance that the coupler was push into the shift rod. I found that if it went in too far or too little that the gear shift lever would vibrate in third gear. Once I adjusted that a little it didn't seem to carry the trans vibration through to the shift lever as much. Just my .02 worth.

Dan O

Cuopler Adjustment
 

Did mine almost similar to Dan O's. Place the shift lever into neutral and attach a bangee cord (pulling the shift lever towards the driverside door. Then turn the coupler counter-clockwise (facing the rear) or clockwise (facing the front) then tighthen the nut. After this, adjust the lateral movement of the shift knob by the length of the rod (splined end) in the coupler (clamped section). Works all time for me.

Steve,
My suggestion to you is that you carry a 13 mm wrench and a socket wrench with socket for the other side to tighten around in your car for a couple of days. You'll probably want to experiment as I did with a couple of positions until you find your 'sweet spot'. For me, it was okay done in the 1st gear position and also in the neutral position as described, but the best one turned out to be a few centimeters above the far left neutral position. You'll know it's not quite right when the shifter lever seems to be in a position either too far aft or too forward while driving and shifting. And if the coupler is turned all the way to the opposite side when you hold the gear lever to the left during adjustment, you may not find the gears 'where they're supposed to be'...you may find 3rd and 4th to be where you'd expect 1st and 2nd. Anyway, I wanted screw the plate down in the back over the coupler until you're happy with it. The last time I did the job, I drove around a day or two with it like that until I had my final 'anal' adjustment to have it perfect.:D
Ryan