02’ Shifter Wear/Doesn’t Move Freely

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Rodnacious

More info, when in neutral if I move the shifter left and right it just sticks there and does not return to center. Should these shifters return to center or stick as described?

It should return to center.
I don't know of any standard transmission that doesn't.

Now that you have everything exposed disconnect the cable that seems to be causing the issue and see how the shifter acts.
If it feels good then you know something with the disconnected cable is the issue.
Perhaps at the transmission end.
If the shifter is still stiff you know the shifter is the issue.

If I remember correctly the cables are simple to disconnect.

[Rodnacious]

Originally Posted by blue62

It should return to center.
I don't know of any standard transmission that doesn't.

Now that you have everything exposed disconnect the cable that seems to be causing the issue and see how the shifter acts.
If it feels good then you know something with the disconnected cable is the issue.
Perhaps at the transmission end.
If the shifter is still stiff you know the shifter is the issue.

If I remember correctly the cables are simple to disconnect.

So I disconnected the blue cable and the shifter moved smoothly. Next step is to jack it up this weekend and look at the trans end.

Anyone else run across something similar?

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Rodnacious

So I disconnected the blue cable and the shifter moved smoothly. Next step is to jack it up this weekend and look at the trans end.

Anyone else run across something similar?

I have not had the issue but have read about issues of this type.
Look at the hardware connecting the cable to the transmission.
People have had issues with cable connections at the transmission.
Perhaps it just needs cleaned up and some oil on it.
If you don't see a problem with the hardware disconnect the cable at the transmission end and see if it moves freely.
There could be a bind in the cable its self.

[Rodnacious]

Originally Posted by blue62

I have not had the issue but have read about issues of this type.
Look at the hardware connecting the cable to the transmission.
People have had issues with cable connections at the transmission.
Perhaps it just needs cleaned up and some oil on it.
If you don't see a problem with the hardware disconnect the cable at the transmission end and see if it moves freely.
There could be a bind in the cable its self.

Success!!! After jacking it up this morning (had to buy new low profile jack and 3 ton stands) and trying different things I pinpointed the problem. I systematically popped off the neutral cable and the downward linkage from the pivot point in the picture. Was able to rule out the cable and the internal transmission spring from being the problem. The bracket in picture pivots on a single bushing to move the neutral cable. That pivot point was very stiff and was corroded inside when I took it apart. Some steel wool, 1000 grit, and CLP got the job done. Put it back together and it moves 75% better and returns to neutral from 1/2 but not from 5/R. I’ll try adjusting the cable threads to get it centered. So if you are having similar problems take that bracket off and clean the bushing. Was easy to remove and clean, plus save a lot of money!

[blue62]

Originally Posted by Rodnacious

Success!!! After jacking it up this morning (had to buy new low profile jack and 3 ton stands) and trying different things I pinpointed the problem. I systematically popped off the neutral cable and the downward linkage from the pivot point in the picture. Was able to rule out the cable and the internal transmission spring from being the problem. The bracket in picture pivots on a single bushing to move the neutral cable. That pivot point was very stiff and was corroded inside when I took it apart. Some steel wool, 1000 grit, and CLP got the job done. Put it back together and it moves 75% better and returns to neutral from 1/2 but not from 5/R. I’ll try adjusting the cable threads to get it centered. So if you are having similar problems take that bracket off and clean the bushing. Was easy to remove and clean, plus save a lot of money!

Looks like some grease wouldn't hurt it
Looks like your getting the issue resolved.

[Rodnacious]

Originally Posted by blue62

Looks like some grease wouldn't hurt it
Looks like your getting the issue resolved.

I definitely put some moly in the rights spots!