shifter woes

[EJP914]

For some time now, while driving my 72, shifter seems to get stuck when driving in 4th gear. If I wiggle it around some, it will up or down shift from 4th w/ no problem. I've learned to live w/ it! When car is not moving, it shifts through the gears w/ no hang up. Lately, when I move shifter to 1st or reverse, I get a squeak from the base of the shift lever. Unbolted it from the floor, cleaned and regreased everything, and it still squeaks going into 1st and reverse. Is there some sort of guide plate or other part in the shifter base that could be worn out or bent after 29 years that is causing the 4th gear hang up and my now unbearable squeak? I have not replaced the plastic bushings that seems to everywhere on the 72 shift linkage. Didn't want to take it apart and make a bad sitution worse. Appreciate all the replies! thanks!

[DSPTurtle]

Order all the Shift Bushings from PP and plan on spending about 2 hours installing them. Don't forget the shift coupler bushings!!! They might be listed as 911 parts but PP knows when you call. The squeak might be coming from the point where the shiftrod exits the firewall. I had no bushing there at all when I went to replace mine. Hopefully you have a sideshifter...I think they respond better to this type of TLC. Good Luck!!!
JB

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

A 72 would be a tail-shifter, unless it has been converted by someone.

I believe that there is a "guide plate" in the gear shift lever console. The factory parts book calls it a "stop plate" (p/n 901.424.017.00). I have read that if it is badly worn it can have a real effect on shifting.

--DD