85 280i - Shift Lever Slop

[m2500tvr]

Hello, Wedgies (Wedgers? ??):

My Series "1.5" US-spec 280i has developed some serious slop in the gear lever of the Ford Type E 4-speed gearbox. It shifts fine, but now when engaged in a gear, the lever has all kinds of movement in it. I know of the plastic bushing/bearing on the lever pivot. I have a new one, but haven't installed it yet. But this seems like a lot 'o slop. What else keeps that lever located?

Thanks!

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Mate..The bush had completely gone in mine and it was like it was in neutral in every gear..It feels like a new gearbox now it has been replaced...Ziga

[m2500tvr]

Hi, Ziga:

Thanks - again! So, just that bushing replacement made the difference? That's good news. I've got one. That's promising, then.

[Tasmin200]

Ziga, where did you get the bush? Mine has gone as well I think. Also is this gearbox sprung when in neutral? i.e. is there any resistance when you move it left to right as mine has none and is the only gearbox I've ever felt like this.

[mrzigazaga]

Tasmin200 said:

Ziga, where did you get the bush? Mine has gone as well I think. Also is this gearbox sprung when in neutral? i.e. is there any resistance when you move it left to right as mine has none and is the only gearbox I've ever felt like this.

Hi Mate..I was really lucky to get hold of a bush, Apparently it was an old granada one that they had lying about however im looking into getting some made, Im just waiting for the patent, They will probably be in brass rather than nylon for longevity..In the meantime i will keep my eyes and ears open for you..I do have some left to right resistance which is more now that i have had the bush replaced..Hope this helps..Cheers..Ziga

[marcus1875]

My neutral doesnt feel sprung. but sits nice and stiff in gear. hard to reverse on occasion.
Marcus

[RCK974X]

4 speeder.
Stick is NOT sprung, unlike most modern boxes.

It should have a nice easy movement with little play in the stick.
My box isn't stiff for any gear selection.

[mrzigazaga]

m2500tvr said:

I have a new one, but haven't installed it yet.

You have mail sir...Ziga

[Tasmin200]

RCK974X said:

4 speeder.
Stick is NOT sprung, unlike most modern boxes.

It should have a nice easy movement with little play in the stick.
My box isn't stiff for any gear selection.

marcus1875 said:

My neutral doesnt feel sprung. but sits nice and stiff in gear. hard to reverse on occasion.
Marcus

Thanks, it's nice to know something isn't broken!

[RCK974X]

Of course, now I can't resist pointing out that -

If your car is a Tas 200 to match your name, the 2.0 OHC engine does NOT have the 'E' type gearbox, but the 'B' type which was the base for the 5 speed 'N' type.

(The 4 speed B type isn't sprung either, and has a nice gear selection feel too, from memory)

Just sayin'

[mrzigazaga]

Sorry i should of said that mine doesnt feel sprung either!..Its certainly less movement in neutral and feels closer..It feels weird as im so used to it being like a bucket of porridge in every gear...Ziga

[Tasmin200]

RCK974X said:

Of course, now I can't resist pointing out that -

If your car is a Tas 200 to match your name, the 2.0 OHC engine does NOT have the 'E' type gearbox, but the 'B' type which was the base for the 5 speed 'N' type.

(The 4 speed B type isn't sprung either, and has a nice gear selection feel too, from memory)

Just sayin'

It started out with a pinto but acquired a cologne V6 along the way....
It's running a DGAS carb rather than injection.

[m2500tvr]

The 2000E gearbox used in the Lotus Elan, and others, is a brilliant box. Outstanding change.

[RCK974X]

Tas 200 - Ah Right, 2.8 carb. Fair enough.

2000E gbox - Yes, I remember they had a brilliant reputation.
I don't think they are related to the 'B' (2.0 Pinto) or 'E' (2.8, 3.0) gearboxes, from memory - could be wrong there though...

[Stog]

If anyone comes across one if these bushings for a 4speed manual pleeeeease get in touch.
Mine is well worn.

[m2500tvr]

Stog said:

If anyone comes across one if these bushings for a 4speed manual pleeeeease get in touch.
Mine is well worn.

Working on it!

[TVRvixen]

is this the part that needs to be replaced to eliminate side to side slop?


http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-category/trans...

[m2500tvr]

TVRvixen said:

is this the part that needs to be replaced to eliminate side to side slop?


http://www.burtonpower.com/parts-by-category/trans...

The bushing in question is this.

[TVRvixen]

where can I obtain one of these elusive bushings?

[mrzigazaga]

TVRvixen said:

where can I obtain one of these elusive bushings?

Hi Mate...If you can find someone to make one for you out of brass then all the better!, The gearbox company that supposedly fixed my gearbox and supposedly fitted a new bush didn't do diddly squat and within a week it was back to square one, I had the ford garage make one from a nylon bush that was the correct size but needed the ID made to suit..It felt like a new gearbox afterwards but after selling Delilah on i have now learnt that the bush ended up inside the box...
So im not sure where you would obtain one...Ziga