Shift bushings, Bronze Options

[spunone]

Has anyone used the Bronze shift bushings that are selling on e-bay? if so hows the install? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif) our should I stick with the plastic?

[Gary]

I need one of these. I'm chasing down my shift into first issues, and it's down to this bushing and the shifter. I'll probably go rennshifter at the front end.

If I send an O.D. on my shift rod, anyone with access to a lathe that can make one up?

Gary,
If this is particular area of the shifting mechanism is causing your problem then it will be painfully obvious. Go under your car, grab the shift rod right infront of the shift bushing onthe tranny and see if you can move it up and down/side to side. If you have any appreciable plat in it your shift console on the tranny is shot and you need to either get another console ( I have a good one and will trade you for the bad one + shipping) or try to JB weld the hole and re round it to the proper dimentions. You can try to install the bushing, too if you want, but you may not need it. I have a bushing that you can try if you choose that route, but I an in need of a worn shift console for a project that I am working on so a trade woudl be nice as well (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

Hmm. The rod is obviously smaller in diameter than my bushing AND the bushing rattles around in the console. Maybe this is a/the problem? Not sure what the ID of the bushing should be. The O.D. of the rod is about 0.590"

[Dr Evil]

If you figure that it rattling is basically the same as it not being there then it is shot.

Which option are you gonna go for? Replacing the console is easy, ya just need one O-ring. Of the bushings that I have seen, its been 50/50 loose to tight.

[smdubovsky]

Hmm. The rod is obviously smaller in diameter than my bushing AND the bushing rattles around in the console. Maybe this is a/the problem? Not sure what the ID of the bushing should be. The O.D. of the rod is about 0.590"

Gary, My new bushing measured 0.605". My shift rod is 0.603.

Your 0.590 rod sounds really worn... Measure it farther at the ends where there is no wear.

SMD

[Dr Evil]

Sounds like a candidate for one of your special shift rods, S. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Gary]

It's a rod fabbed for a -6. Further up the bar (that's proximal for you Dr. E) it measures 0.610. There's an obvious weld to the -4 bar about 5" from where it goes into the console. The bushing rattles in its hole too, so at least two things going on here. Ordered the PMS bushing today - more to follow when it gets here next week.

[Brad Roberts]

The biggest issue I see: worn out shift consoles. I have watched people install a new bushings and asked them WTF? buy a new shift console. If the new plastic bushing is rattling around, then it is a waste of time.

I have also seen the shift rods worn beyond belief. Measure it near the cone screw dimple. This area is inside the shift coupler and doesnt wear.

I have used these bronze bushings.. but really didnt notice a difference.



B

[smdubovsky]

Brad,
You can't measure near the dimple under the aluminum arm, that part of the rod is a different diameter. Its stepped down to 0.580" just for that piece.

The best thing to do w/ a worn console (if you cant replace it) is to ream it oversize and make a matching bushing. Id use delrin or teflon over brass/bronze - limits wear to the easier to replace part...

SMD

[maf914]

I bought a brass bushing from Pelican and found that the shift rod was quite a loose fit in it. I measured the outer diameter of the shift rod, went to a hobby shop and found some brass tubing with a matching ID. The OD of the tubing was a good fit within the bushing. I cut a piece of tubing the same length as the bushing. Using a small propane torch I tinned the inner surface of the bushing and outer surface of the tube with solder, added flux and slipped the tube into the bushing, then flowed some additional solder joining the two pieces. I cleaned it up with a file and some sandpaper. Looks good and fits nicely. I used the C-clip but didn’t epoxy it in place in the console. I wasn’t sure if I should.

[Gary]

So, lesson learned - when R&Ring the shifting system, replacement of bushings is not adequate, need to make sure the bushings are tight within the bulkhead and tranny console, and the rod is tight within the bushings.