5-speed shifter is a bit loose and sloppy

[eldusto84]

Thanks for the advice, I will take a look at the bushings this weekend and see what kind of shape they're in.

Oh, and I'm from Cleveland, Ohio and my VIN is 6272

[Spittybug]

You can put that information on your profile so that anytime you post people will know where you are.

[mluder]

I think there was a video somewhere of how to adjust the linkage?

Someone will find it and post it I'm sure.

Welcome aboard.
Cheers.
Steve

[AdmiralSenn]

This one?

[DMCMW Dave]

My guess is that he's comparing the shifter action to a modern Honda/BMW/Toyota etc. It won't ever be like that, although replacing all the rubber bushings can go a long way.

[Nicholas R]

You know since Martin showed the forward/back linkage in the frame it reminded me of something I had been wondering. The bellcrank assembly in the manuals is about twice as long on the shifter side so that the crank cuts the distance moved in half for the selector.


If you switch over to pivot that the automatic transmissions uses, which instead of being 2:1 is 1:1, would you simply have an easy short throw shifter?


Anyone ever try this?

Sorry, not trying to derail the thread.

[DMCMW Dave]

Anyone ever try this?

Sorry, not trying to derail the thread.

You would reduce the front/back motion (with appropriately increased effort and strain on the lever mechanism). You would have no impact on the side to side motion, so you would end up with an odd pattern with a short throw but wide pattern. I looked into it but never actually cut up a linkage bar to try it. (well - Peter K did but never actually installed it.) I thought about making a bar with multiple attachment points on the "long" side so that you'd end up with an adjustble shifter as well.

To make a true shortshifter you'd need to re-design the geometry of the cable part as well.

[mluder]

This one?

Yup...

Cheers.
Steve

[Nicholas R]

You would reduce the front/back motion (with appropriately increased effort and strain on the lever mechanism). You would have no impact on the side to side motion, so you would end up with an odd pattern with a short throw but wide pattern. I looked into it but never actually cut up a linkage bar to try it. (well - Peter K did but never actually installed it.) I thought about making a bar with multiple attachment points on the "long" side so that you'd end up with an adjustble shifter as well.

To make a true shortshifter you'd need to re-design the geometry of the cable part as well.

Got it. Didn't think about the side to side change. That would certainly get rather awkward. You'd definitely have to get creative to make the cable move further with less shifter movement. Not something I want to think about, haha. Thanks for the info!

[David T]

Very common for the rubber bushings to be worn. Replace them all, they are cheap. Also check the front, left transmission mount for cracks. I have seen where the shifter mechanism in the console is messed up from being forced. When that happens you can shift into reverse without having to gate into it. If you do not have to lift the gearshift knob to get reverse you need to fix the shifter. You should check all of the adjustments, a loose cable can make things feel very sloppy too. As with most things on a 30 year old car, it will make everything work better if you take it apart, clean it all up, lubricate and reassemble. Check the clutch fluid. If it is dark and thick you should flush the clutch and brakes. If you have the plastic hose it should be replaced with a S/S braided one.
David Teitelbaum