Lost 4th and 5th today

[cameroncole]

Well today I lost the ability to shift under load into 4th and 5th gear. I

Searching the board I found the following possible culprits :

1. Shift bushings - front and rear (I ordered a super kit today from PP). With 90k on the OD it is time for a replacement.

2. Clutch Tube came loose - I guess I can tell by pulling the shifter.

3. Motor and Tranny Mounts are loose - will check tomorrow.



The shifter was working fine and then it had a mind of its own. Even with the engine off - I cannot seem to engage 4th or 5th.

Have I missed anything without getting into the internals?

[John Rogers]

You can also check the set screws at the coupler and also at the tranny as they can also come loose. Also the pinch bolt inside the tunnel that clamps the front shift rod to the shifter. Usually if this happens all of a sudden it is broken motor mounts or tranny mounts.

[cameroncole]

Went home at lunch and placed a jack under the transmission and slowly jacked the car up. The body and chassis went with it, so it appears the Tranny mounts are ok for now.

The shig=ft tube was loose - is that normal?? I can grab it and wiggle it front to back.

I will hopefully work on it tonight after everyone goes to bed and report back.

Frank

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The fore and aft movement is what happens when you move the gear shift lever fore and aft. When you move the lever left and right, the (side-shifter I assume) rear shift rod rotates, and the part going into the transmission slides in and out.

I'm still betting on a bushing that died on you, or possibly a conical set-screw backing out. But more likely a bushing.

It does still pay to check the clutch tube--open up the access panels and see if the tube or cable moves when you try to push the lever into 4th or 5th.

--DD

[cameroncole]

Thanks for everyone's post!

After everyone went bed, I reread the tech forum article on improving shifting. The Pelican Super Bushing kit had all the parts I need - thanks PP.

Starting at the firewall, as 914GT suspected, my shift coupler had zero bushing material left and was clunking around crazily. The rear bushings did not look bad at all, but I replaced them anyway.
I pressed the Drive Pin out of the shift coupler and had a bit of trouble putting in those bushings, but they finally went in. I stopped there for the night.

I am debating about replacing the firewall bushing - it appears fine - yellow, but not brittle. Part of me says replace - that would just bring the linkage up to spec.

As far as lubrication, I used CV grease at all friction points and Lithium Grease in the bearing cup. When I assemble, should I pack CV grease in the dust boots and trans cover?

I have not looked under the shifter yet. I think I may want to upgrade the springs for the tranny lock-out. Are there any other mods to improve operation (outside of a short shift kit)?

Thanks,

Frank

[Bleyseng]

Originally posted by cameroncole
Thanks for everyone's post!

As far as lubrication, I used CV grease at all friction points and Lithium Grease in the bearing cup. When I assemble, should I pack CV grease in the dust boots and trans cover?

I have not looked under the shifter yet. I think I may want to upgrade the springs for the tranny lock-out. Are there any other mods to improve operation (outside of a short shift kit)?

Thanks,

Frank

Do not pack the dust boots and trans cover with grease.

A new shifter plate helps some if yours is worn.

Don't forget to clean and grease the clutch cable wheel.

Clean and re-grease the shifter bushings along with the clutch wheel when you adjust the valves every 3000 miles

Geoff

[cameroncole]

Thanks Geoff.

What would you use for the Clutch wheel?

[Bleyseng]

I pull it apart and clean it. Regreasing the bearing parts and a lite coating in the groove where the cable rests.

CV grease or whatever grease works

[cameroncole]

Completed bushing installation last night and double checked everything. Went for a test drive.

Much improved shifting and it goes into all gears smoothly. I am not knicking Reverse anymore, but will stilll ook into the spring kit from PP.

What a difference. Thanks.

Frank