I recently replaced the firewall bushing and rear shift coupling bushing. Since performing the work, it has been increasingly difficult to shift/find reverse. In addition, first has been a little difficult to locate. I am looking for guidance before I jack the car up and climb under. BTW, its a 74 2.0. Any help is appreciated.

Little more information...when I do locate reverse, there is no grinding....I do have a little grinding when going into 1st, but nothing unusual.

Try adjusting the shifter. There is a nut at the base of the shifter, accessible through a hole. Carefully loosen the nut and move the shifter to the left (toward the driver) then retighten the nut.

OK, you just replaced the bushings. Check the cone screws. You had them out and probably used the same ones upon reinstalling the shifter. I believe the new cone screws come with a dot of thread-locker to ensure they do not back out.

If you plan to re-use the cone screws, dab just a dot of thread-locker juice oin them then snug them tight.

Eric Read

Usually, 1st and Rev. problem is clutch adjustment...

Since you tightend the bushings up, try a clutch adjustment now and see if that helps...If you did not mess with the shifter, the current setting may be OK...Otherwise do the clutch adj. and the shifter adj. as suggested above...

2-OH!

Cone screws come with a nylon 'plug' that locks it in place, not thread locker. I've heard too many stories and dealt with too many cars with loctite on the threads. Brand new cone screws are the best bet.

It's not that I disagree, it's just that my main point was to check if the cone screws are tight. If they have loosened, tighten them, then immediately go inside and order a new set as McMark advises.

Eric

Thanks guys for all your help. The cone screw had come loose. Its tightened and new ones ordered!!!

HAHAHA!!!! I WIN!!!

Eric

No lock tite, ever.

Just replaced all the bushings and the old cones looked good. Tighten the piss out of them and all seems ok for now. But will remember this thread..lol