trans is getting tough to shift

[lukem23]

my trans is getting hard to put into reverse and it hits the center console on gears 1,3, and 5. i have no idea what it could be. any help??

[jlevie]

That sounds like worn bushings in the shifter. Replacing the bushings should make a large improvement.

[lukem23]

ok thanks. i will try that. i just dont understand why the shifter hits the center console and why reverse is such a pain to get into......... i really need help figureing this out. open for sugestions!

[JoeP]

My 87 did the same thing. The shifter wasn't fully seated in the nylon bushing in the shift console. I could only get the thing in 2nd and 4th. Pull the boot up and make sure the shifter is fully seated, and while you're at it check the condition of the bushing. It probably needs to be replaced.

[lukem23]

ok thanks a lot. will do

[lukem23]

my car will not go into reverse at all so far today!

[JGood]

Like I said, the T shaped bushing that connects to the trans is probably worn, but the main carrier bushing is fine. You can see it's seated in place and the lever is not moving around inside of it like they do when they are worn out. The only way you are going to be able to see why it won't go into reverse is by actually looking at it from underneath.

If it's not binding up, you have a trans problem. If the bushing is so worn that it is binding up the linkage when you try to shift into reverse, then you probably just need the bushings. It's not something you can figure out without getting underneath the car...

[JGood]

The fact that it sometimes grinds in first and second should be enough to hint that the trans is the likely problem anyway...

[lukem23]

yea i know, i just dont want to fess up to it and have to get you to put in a new trans (the one im gonna buy off you) ;)

[lukem23]

i was under it yesterday BTW, but not for very long.

[lukem23]

my buddy just told me that my shifting problems may be because the shifter is to big? could that be why?

[JGood]

The only way you are going to be able to see why it won't go into reverse is by actually looking at it from underneath.

[lukem23]

i did today and didnt see anything out of the ordinary. i need to take it to horsts pit or something, it would be a lot easier then.