Troubles getting into first gear

[CoryB]

I have replaced the shifter bushings except the one at the firewall. Lately when I try to put the transmission into first it will go into third instead. It takes a lot of force(two hands) to get it into first gear. Would bad bushings at the firewall cause this, or could it be the syncros within the transmission. I'm looking for a quick fix...anything other than rebuilding the trannsmission. Thanks.

CoryB

[srb7f]

Sounds like a shift linkage problem to me. I'd start by taking a look at that bushing, and then going to adjust the shifter/tunnel shift rod adjustment (the bolt you see on the linkage if you lift up the shift boot).

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Yup, most likely the linkage. Possibly bushings, possibly adjustment. Check the "shifting improvements" Tech Article available elsewhere on this site.

--DD

[lapuwali]

Have you installed a short shifter? My car had one when I got it, and it took a lot of force to push it into the R-1 gate against the lockout springs. Putting in a stock shift lever fixed that.

[ken180]

To isolate the problem disconnect the shifting rod at the transmission and check that you can get to all the gears by just using the shifter arm at the tranny.

Ken

[DDS]

This may seem stoopid, but have you done anything with the drivers side seat belt bolt? Guess how I know.....

Dave