Part Failure - Beware

[MixMasterK]

'79 924 5 speed
(016/Y) Transmission

During the past few weeks I was starting to develop a problem with getting into reverse. This last Wednesday, the problem got worse as follows. Had just got back in to Central Oregon from about 7 hours of driving and was getting ready to pull into the store for a couple things on the way to my house. I went to shift and noticed that, while still in gear, the shifter had a major amout of excessive play from side to side. The good thing was I could still get in and out of gear alright, but reverse and 1st were difficult. So I figured the problem to be linkage related. My assumtion were correct as I found Friday morning when I was able to look at it.

What to look for:

The shift rod that connects between the shifter and the transmission has a coupler where it attaches at the tranny end. This coupler has a sort of U-joint bushing. If the bushing comes out, which mine did, this creats the excess slop that you will feel in the shifter.

The bad news:

The coupler isn't a separate part that can be ordered and replaced. You have to buy the whole rod.

The REALLY bad news:

Cost is $399


When my new one comes in, I'm going to check it out and see if the bushing is something I can machine out of brass and safety wire to the rod. Hopefully I can then return the new rod for a refund.

So if you're noticing excess play in your shifter or startinghaving trouble getting into reverse, check the joint before it lets loose the bushing.