mr1 transmission shifter question

[bunnrangerguy]

I have a 1989 2.3L 5-speed that I just bought. Its been awhile since I have owned a 5-speed. Is it normal for the shifter to have movement left to right while in gear? Its not jumping out of gear or anything you can just wiggle it side to side while in gear. If it is a problem is it a shifter or transmission problem? I have a hurst shifter I am going to install but want to find out if there is a problem with transmission before install.

 

[Hahnsb2]

Yeah they usually have a little wiggle, if the bushings are worn it will wiggle more.

 

[4x4junkie]

Possible the shifter bushings have disintegrated.

New ones can be had from the Ford dealer for around $7 each.

pt# 1L2Z-7228-AA (2 needed)


You'll need to knock one of the shifter locating pins out with a punch when installing the lower bushing.

 

[metalmacguyver]

Junkie, if the bushings were gone, I think he would be asking about a flopping shifter as opposed to a wiggleing one.

Just to be sure, How much movement do you have? Mine has about 1/2 inch either way when in 3rd or 4th. Less In the other gears.

 

[rboyer]

If your pinch-bolt is loose it could cause your shifter to get a little play in a slight "swinging" motion. If your shifter bushings aren't worn then i'll bet that's the culprit. Also you get more play from a disintegrated bottom bushing than you do from the top one, so if the top one is good and the bottom is bad and you want a quick fix until you get a bushing, then just stick the top one on the bottom for now. You should also check the pins for wear while you're in there too.