Spongy stick shift

Domingo · Post by **Domingo** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:40 am

What parts would need to be changed in order to bring the stick shift to that new car feeling?
In other words, eliminate the time given spongy feelin?

YouTube · Post by **Peter Florance** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 11:50 am

Check to make sure shift console mounting bolts aren't loose.
Most likely it's worn shift knuckle

Tough to get to unless you lower exhaust and tranny tail

I think good short shift kits come with a new knuckle as well

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 12:39 pm

Messing with the shifter is not quick and easy. Dropping the exhaust is required unless you have E.T. fingers and replacing the bushings in the joint to lever isn't fun even then.

You can go on realoem.com to see the exploded parts view. If you do it, good idea to replace all the nylon bushings. Or, visit the UUC short shifter site to look at their kit. One thing, their new shift lever will only accept push on (newer style) knobs. Bad if you like the stock knob, good if you want one of the after market ones.

Do make notes on how the lever goes as it has a bend in it, and pay attention to the rear mount tab, bracket assy. It is possible to reassemble things and get wacky shift.

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Mon Jul 20, 2009 2:47 pm

I have a short-shift kit from BavAuto in the car. While speed shifting from 1st to 2nd 'cause I was turning right & saw a car barrelin' down on me while makin' his left turn, but, into MY lane, I ended up with the knob in my hand about dashboard high. Why do these airheads cross their lane & go to the far lane?? I don't know either.

Is there a way to maybe drill a hole through everything & run a small bolt backed up by a nut on the other side?

What I mean is, has anyone done this? Cheap thrill, but not fun. As long as the adreneline isn't flowing I'm ok.

Greg
Ps The knob came with the car.

Tulsa Dave · Post by **Tulsa Dave** » Sat Jul 25, 2009 4:40 am

Check the short shift faq. I can't stress enough how important it is to replace everything on the stock linkage. The nylon bushings are a big problem. Short of putting in an aftermarket short shift kit (highly recommended), you'll have to fiddle with modifying bronze bushings to replace the nylon bits. The rubber spongy bit inside the cup at the transmission side of the linkage also appears to have a major say in how loose things feel. It's OEM part number 23411466118, but it's listed as NLA. I put a 2002 shift lever, modified bronze bushings, and replaced everything else other than that bit in my old '80 and it still felt loose as a goose. I've put two Bav Auto short shift kits in cars since and have not been disappointed. You'll spend a couple hundred bucks for the aftermarket kits, but the OEM stuff is NLA. You trade dollars for frustration. I spent hours modifying bushings and hacking all the stuff together to avoid spending the money on the short shift kit with little satisfaction. It was better, but no where near that new car feel. In the end, I ordered the kit. What is your time worth?

Domingo · Post by **Domingo** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 7:22 pm

Thanks for your time!
How do I order the short shift you installed?
Is it easy to install?

Regards

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Tue Jul 28, 2009 11:58 am

Domingo Go to 'bavauto.com'. I have a small shade tree so my mechanic installed it for $150. Your shade tree seems to be larger so go for it. Greg