Did I screw up???

[nicmartim]

Quick, probably easy problem. I was adding a little trans fluid to my 94 5-speed w/ the 4 cylinder. I removed the stick shifter and I cannot get it to shift now that I have it back in. When the shifter came out it was in 2nd gear. I can get it back in, no problem, get all 3 allen head screws in place but it wont shift, and feels like it is neutral (lots of side to side motion). I cannot roll the truck w/o pushing in the clutch, so that tells me it's in a gear. Thanks.

 

[RonD]

You have to remove shifter with trans in Neutral or you will end up with what you have now, misaligned shift rails.

You need to remove the shifter again then line up the 3 shift rails so trans is in neutral, you may have to rock the truck to release pressure on the shift rails, while pushing on them with screw driver.

If you look at the picture above Step 9. in this link: http://www.therangerstation.com/Magazine/winter2007/shifterbushings.shtml
You will see 2 of the shift rails lined up in neutral, 3rd can't be seen but will also line up.

 

[nicmartim]

Ok, what I see looking down in it is the far left and far right rail appear to be inline with one another. There is gap between the 2 though, which I assume is the middle rail. Would this have to be moved toward the rear of the truck to get from 2nd to neutral? Thanks for the words of wizdom.

 

[RonD]

Middle rail should be 3rd and 4th gear but not a big deal, yes all 3 need to have slot in the center of the hole for Neutral.
Sometimes you have to push down on the rail to release it, also rock the truck.