I know I've read a post about this but haven't been able to find it. I'm putting a dual range tranny in my '84 hatch , and figured it would be a good time to fix the slop in the shift linkage. What is the best way to go about this? Does Subaru still list bushings? any info would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, U can still get them. They're like, 3 or 5 bucks a pop. Havn't done it in my wagon. Yet. But it's in the to-do list. ;-)

A picture is worth a Million Words:

 

 

Who needs bushings? I heard thats a 3/8" nut and bolt, i could be wrong tho. Havent done it myself, I give credit to General Disorder for the image above.

 

-Brian

I wish MINE where that simple!

Yep - that's a 3/8" bolt I used there. Cut the slots horizontally with a dremel or similar tool, and drill out the shifter and tranny stub with a 3/8" bit. I used flat washers in either side, and a lock washer on the nut side. Tighten down as hard as you can, and you wil have no more shifter slop...... ever again probably.

 

The factory system has no slots for clamping force, and they used a roll pin in that hole - they get really sloppy and worn after a few years.

 

I can't take credit for the design - the idea came from the USRM somewhere, but the pics in those articles were pretty bad, so I snapped one before the tranny went in the car.

 

Oh - and the bushings will probably do you no good at all since the metal will likely be worn away to the point that they won't fit - that's why I had to drill it to an over-size and bolt it instead. Really it's far superior to new bushings as I doubt it will ever wear out in the life of the tranny, and it takes a half hour at the most when you already have the tranny out of the car. Probably longer and more difficult with the tranny in the car.

 

GD

I did the same thing to my brat when I had it and did it to my hatch. Make sure you get a high grade nut and bolt, that way you won't have any problems with breakage... its like having a new shifter.

Rad!!!! thanks for the pic and info. as it is now, when in gear it looks like I'm in neutral! this will be awsome!

thanks again!

Subaru shops and mechanics have been doing that for years, it's called a shift modification. The only thing thats done differant is the hozitional cut needs to go all the way accross not just half way. It very easy to do Ive done 4 of them but any subaru shop will charge about $60.00 to do it. but it's really a no brainer.

 

Hassey