Thread: weird shifter

I figured my spring was broken or missing, just wasn't sure if there were two springs or only the one Did some pretty hard driving with the car a couple weeks ago and noticed the shifter return play the next day Too lazy to put the car on a lift and replace the spring.

I think I'm on my 6th or 7th shift return sping. I go through them like pez. I'm sure removing the heat shield had something to do with it. However, with no heat shield, it's stupid easy to replace. =D

It's the shifter stabilizer rod. I bet the bushing for that either went south or the nut that holds the rod to the bracket came off. I had the nut come off on my car once and did the same thing.

It bolts right to the rear engine mount bracket just to the right of the shifter selector rod. I would definitely check that. That's likely what the problem is.

ben, where can you pick up this spring ?

id like to replace mine. i dont know if i need to, but im sure it couldnt hurt.

stratton.

Stratton, I've always found a suitable replacement at my local hardware store. It's not perfect, and it needs a little modifying, but it gets the job done. It's one of those weird parts I've never asked Greg V. to source for me so I have no idea if he can get them or not. The hardware store I got mine from is out of business now. Thankfully I bought a couple the last time I went so hopefully I won't need any more for a long time.

I know that's not helpful... Let me try again.
If you'd like call up Greg and see if he can get them. Otherwise head to your local hardware store and visit the spring aisle. You'll want to look for a spring with a coil length of about 2 inches and an overall length (the spring hooks are quite long) of 5 inches or so. You're going to need to modify the spring hook on one side to make the spring about 1/2" shorter overall. I use needle nose vise-grips to cut and bend it to my liking. This cutting and bending (and the fact that the spring isn't designed for high temp applications) likely contributes to the short life of the spring. Mine usually last about a year until the hook breaks off and I re-modify it or move on to a new one.

If you want more detail I can provide.

I know this is a horrible picture but this is what it should look like.



Edit: Here's maybe some better pics. 1 and 2

When ever I go to the mom & pop hardware store it's the only one that looks like that. It should be about $3. The bigger chains might have more selection (making your job harder) but I doubt it. They might not even have it.

thanks for the info.

ill hit up greg v one day and inquire about it.

stratton.

Its acting like the stabilizer bar isnt connected so I would suspect a problem there

/\ like I said. It's most likely the stabilizer rod.