Shifting issues after replacing shifter

[nutless_neo]

First I would just like to thank everyone for all their help. You guys are really nice and helpful to us newbies. Unlike some forums.

So here's my problem. I replaced my shifter recently and ever since, I've had the hardest time shifting into some gears, most notable 2nd, 4th and reverse. Now I can see that there is room for adjustment to the plate that holds the shifter to the frame and I've adjusted it several times - forward and backward - but nothing seems to help. Getting into reverse is such a chore that my shifter has actually popped out of the white, whatever, that holds it in place! Yeah, I know, real technical jargon there.

[flash968]

it should rest straight up and down left to right in neutral, and fall between 3rd and 4th.

it should tip backward 5 degrees in the same position.

there are adjustment procedures in the workshop manual.

[jwade944]

Since all of the problem gears are to the rear of the pattern, it sounds like the lever is too far forward. Post connecting the shift arm to the lever should be on the passenger side (assuming car is left hand drive). The plastic base should fit pretty tight, so if it is loose, replace it.

[ernie9944]

[QUOTE=nutless_neo;7136837]First I would just like to thank everyone for all their help. You guys are really nice and helpful to us newbies. Unlike some forums.

What about using Clark's Garage Home Page once on site enter (Garage Shop Manual) then scroll down to ___Transmission & Clutch___there is a DIY with pics which will show you how to replace & adjust your shifter.GL

[John_AZ]

Have you checked the rear linkage security bolt? Is the security wire on?
Do not over tighten the bolt--hours to fix.

The replacement shift lever---is it new(ish) or just as bad as the old one?
Did you go with stock or are you trying a "short shifter"?

Has the rear linkage been rewelded for a short shifter?

...and here is the picture you need to look at:



GL
John

[nutless_neo]

Yeah I went through the manual and did the 85 degrees bit but that just made it worse. It took some trial and error but I seemed to have found a "happy" place. Second and fourth gears are still a bit touchy but I can shift into all gears now without having to jam the shifter. Reverse is still tricky too but a whole lot better than it was. Thanks for all the comments. Its obvious there's a bigger issue going on because the old shifter was really loose. Even in gear, it had so much playi could move it around as if it were in neutral.

I am using a used but perfect condition shifter. Its OEM, not aftermarket. The white bushing is brand new and was still in the plastic bag when I got it. So I don't think its a problem with the shifter..

[Arthropraxis]

The shifter pin that was worn could have worn the hole in the intermediate shaft, the Greenwater shifter kit or making your own would fix that. The rear linkage on top of the transaxle has a plastic bushing that creates play resulting in sloppy shifting, one of the short shift kits would fix that.

[eligunn]

How much play is there between the pin that sticks off of the shift lever and the sleeve that attaches the the rod to the lever? It could be kinking up right there making it difficult to get into some gears.

[Gawernator]

Ditto on Greenwater's kit