Rattle in shifting mechanism Options

[andreic]

Hello,

I have a 1972 with the early (tail) shifter mechanism. The transmission shifts very well after I replaced all the bushings and adjusted the shifter.

However, in second, third, fourth, and fifth gears, as I accelerate through 1400 rpm there is a loud rattle that seems to come through the firewall. I believe it must be coming from the connection between the front shifter bar (the one that goes through the firewall) and the rear one. Both plastic balls at that connection were recently replaced in the shifting mechanism, but that part of the shifter still does not feel tight. The balls used were the black plastic ones supplied by Pelican.

Does anyone have any experience with these? Is there any other supplier of the plastic balls? If not, is there anything else I can do to eliminate the rattle there?

Thanks,
Andrei.

[andreic]

All the bushings were changed. To be more precise, these were the bushings changed: 3 circular bushings (one behind shifter, one on the firewall, one at the back of the car where the shifter bar connects to transmission); 2 plastic balls in the linkage between the shifter bar that comes from the car and the one that goes along the engine and transmission.

I also think the fact that the shifter bar is under a side load in 1st/reverse is what makes a difference. But I can't tell where it rattles when it is not sideloaded.

Dr. Evil -- what do you mean by "Bushing on the pivot ball on the firewall"? I replaced the round bushing that the shifter bar goes through the firewall, and the two balls, one one on the shifter bar itself, and one on the small 2" bar that bolts into the firewall.

[Dr Evil]

All the bushings were changed. To be more precise, these were the bushings changed: 3 circular bushings (one behind shifter, one on the firewall, one at the back of the car where the shifter bar connects to transmission); 2 plastic balls in the linkage between the shifter bar that comes from the car and the one that goes along the engine and transmission.

I also think the fact that the shifter bar is under a side load in 1st/reverse is what makes a difference. But I can't tell where it rattles when it is not sideloaded.

Dr. Evil -- what do you mean by "Bushing on the pivot ball on the firewall"? I replaced the round bushing that the shifter bar goes through the firewall, and the two balls, one one on the shifter bar itself, and one on the small 2" bar that bolts into the firewall.

I believe you addressed it as it would be the one on the stud on the firewall where the rod pivots.

If it only rattles with side load, then its because the rod is loose in the shifter cleat on the tail cone. Check for wear. You can weld up and reprofile, then harden the shifter ball end at the tranz. If the cleat is worn, you need to replace that part, its not too bad.