Finally time to get my 5-Speed Shifter properly centered!
 

OK..

I have spent many nights looking through the forum and online reading everything I can find about properly adjusting the shifter on my 1982 5-Speed. MANY years ago, when i first got it, I seem to remember the shifter not being actually in the CENTER of the gates, but off to one side. I've read a few posts that confirm this, but not 100%.

I know how to adjust the rear shift coupler, and a while back installed a Precision Shifter Ball Cup so the front coupler is good.

It just doesn;t shift as well as it used to. Depending on the adjustment, sometimes the gears with lever forward are difficult, sometimes the rearward ones.

What is the proper way to get this all sorted. I'd like to get it done before the Hershey Swap meet so I can enjoy the drive down there.

I have followed 4 different instruction procedures without to much result. Could very well be I am not doing something correctly.

My clutch is new and does release properly.

please help!

thanks,

Rick
Still in shifter hell.
928TT
Somewhere in NY (90mi from NYC)

I don't think you'll be able to do this without replacing the centering spring with one from a later transmission. I think it was sometime in '86 that they changed from the 4-5 spring center to the 2-3.

So, nothing's broken on your car, it's supposed to be that way, and it's going to be difficult (or impossible, since almost every transmission spring is NLA) to switch to the center.

Ummm? Huh?
I'm not looking to change WHERE it's centered by design, just put it where it belongs originally. Right now it's setup at the actual center of the gates.

Which I believe is causing the problem with shifting.

Rick

If your rear coupler is falling apart this will cause what you are having happen. Replace it with either a factory part or one that's been rebuilt with factory bits. Not one with a bolt shoved through the center.

Rear coupler is fine.

If you read my post, I am looking for the proper positioning and procedure for adjustment of the shifter.

Rick

Got any pics? Would like to see how your '82 compares to my '82.

Pics of what?

Mine looks completely stock, except for dual rear foglamps, H4 headlights and the tiny black turbo script under the rear small spoiler.

Rick

Your shifter.

Aaahh

Not really.

Sorry,

Rick

Mine is oriented slightly to the passenger side. I adjusted it this way based on the fact that reverse and 5th were easier to engage in this configuration and I liked the snap back to neutral that this position afforded. I loosened the lock bolt and had my son put the shifter in position, I then tightened it up. Made a huge difference. Hope this helps

Oh and everything was new on mine as well.....

This is one of those things where you really need a helper. Otherwise you may be crawling back and forth from drivers seat (to test) to under car (to adjust).

Any volunteers nearby?

:)

Rick

In neutral, the shifter sits in the 4-5 plane. When I installed my Lizard shifter, I loosened the pinch coupling and moved the rod back and forth to find the spot where the shifter is vertical when in neutral rest position. After that, I rotated as needed to get it so I could shift into all gears. It was definitely an iterative process.

Where in NY are you?

Hugo

I about 90 Miles North of NYC. About 30 minutes from the Suffern Exit on the Thruway.

Rick

Ignore this reply.