I have the weirdest problems, Can't get shift selector back into tranny properly?? Options

[JPA914]

Ok, it seems like every day is opposites day for me when working on the 914! Just
replaced my shift bushings in my side-shifter; the one at the firewall is what seems to strike fear into everyone and it was the easiest for me. Oh sure, it was a bit tight, but it being made of softer plastic allowed me to manipulate it enough to get it in within a few minutes. Tools used were a flatblade screwdriver and my thumbs. The other two bushings, the "easy" ones, are hard plastic and were MUCH more difficult. I had to use a vise to get them in.

So with that done, I go to re-install the shift selector. Went in easily, re-installed the rear shift bar, no problem. Go to test the shifter from inside and I can't engage any gears!! Upon further inspection, there is a great deal of up and down play along the shaft of the selector (the part that sits up into the tranny). Is this normal? I tried again to install the selector, but the shaft remains free to move up and down. I can't seem to install the selector in such a way that the shaft stays "up". Tranny is in neutral, shift rod head is perpendicular to the length of the car. I've never heard of anyone having difficulty with this (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

[r_towle]

Well, it's simple enough.
Loosen the bolt at the front shifter, pull Rod out.
Remove cone screw at joint just next to firewall, seperate the two rods.
Pull the front Rod out of the car.
Install bushing.
Reverse everything.

Notes.
Boil the bushing, press in hot, use a big flat screw driver to bend over the edges to snap it in place, all while hot...so wear gloves.

Mark the front shifter connection with nail polish or paint to make lining it back up exactly as it was initially setup a breeze.

[JPA914]

Well, it's simple enough.
Loosen the bolt at the front shifter, pull Rod out.
Remove cone screw at joint just next to firewall, seperate the two rods.
Pull the front Rod out of the car.
Install bushing.
Reverse everything.

Notes.
Boil the bushing, press in hot, use a big flat screw driver to bend over the edges to snap it in place, all while hot...so wear gloves.

Mark the front shifter connection with nail polish or paint to make lining it back up exactly as it was initially setup a breeze.

I already have the bushing in the firewall. For me, it was one of the easier aspects of this whole job. I didn't boil anything and managed to press it in with the aid of a screwdriver in just a few minutes. Maybe I just got lucky this time (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Good tip on the nail polish. I had to shine a light in the hole for the cone screw to line up everything. Would have been easier your way.

You don't mention having to adjust the linkage upon re-installing the front bar. It's my understanding that you have to do this in order to be able to engage each gear smoothly, which is why I removed the rear bar instead by taking out the two cone screws. I haven't touched the front bar/interior shifter junction bolt. This way, at least according to the article on Pelican, I can merely re-attach the rear bar with the cone screws after replacing the bushings and everything should line up perfectly with no adjustment needed.

That's what I did, which is why I'm confused that my shifting is off now.