Lots of slop in shifter

[nelso419]

Hey everyone,

I just picked up my 1996 300ZX NA yesterday and it runs good as far as I can tell but It seems like there is an amazing amount of slop in my shifter when it is in gear. When I'm in 5th, the shifter can slop over to where it would be in 3rd gear. I'm completely new to Z cars and working on cars in general. Anyone know of what part I should be looking at as the culprit?

And I guess I should also ask if it is a huge problem that needs to be fixed?

Thanks!
Matt

[itsa300zx]

shifter bushings worn out and need to be replaced.

lots of write ups on the interwebs.

here is a oem short shifter while you are at it.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.htm ... 1147125792

[nelso419]

thanks, and sorry for the redundant post since it is everywhere online but I was wondering if it was something more that just loose bushings since it can sway left and right the full length, as if it were in neutral.

[itsa300zx]

remove the shifter and you will know for sure.

[MrFeesLaw]

I agree with itsa300zx ^^^^^ I would definitely go for the short shifter while you're at it. costs about the same, maybe less, and you get a more durable and performance oriented product.

[nissanfreak12]

Agreed with fix and also to make sure this is not broken, will cause the shifter to basically fall

https://conceptzperformance.com/nissan- ... p_1877.php

This is also a great upgrade for bushings

https://conceptzperformance.com/czp-300 ... p_1131.php

I would read up on short shifters, they are know to cause more grinding than normal because of the throw. Just an FYI

[MrFeesLaw]

Agreed with fix and also to make sure this is not broken, will cause the shifter to basically fall

https://conceptzperformance.com/nissan- ... p_1877.php

This is also a great upgrade for bushings

https://conceptzperformance.com/czp-300 ... p_1131.php

I would read up on short shifters, they are know to cause more grinding than normal because of the throw. Just an FYI

Seems kind of odd that they would cause something like that... It's really just a big math equation. All a short throw shifter does is move the pivoting point higher up on the shifter, so that the lower half of the shifter (below the pivot point) moves farther with less movement of the upper half (above the pivot point). I understand that this could cause a slight change in angle that could cause you to not fully engage the gear, but it's strange to think such a small change could do something so drastic on such a simple system.

[nissanfreak12]

Agreed with fix and also to make sure this is not broken, will cause the shifter to basically fall

https://conceptzperformance.com/nissan- ... p_1877.php

This is also a great upgrade for bushings

https://conceptzperformance.com/czp-300 ... p_1131.php

I would read up on short shifters, they are know to cause more grinding than normal because of the throw. Just an FYI

Seems kind of odd that they would cause something like that... It's really just a big math equation. All a short throw shifter does is move the pivoting point higher up on the shifter, so that the lower half of the shifter (below the pivot point) moves farther with less movement of the upper half (above the pivot point). I understand that this could cause a slight change in angle that could cause you to not fully engage the gear, but it's strange to think such a small change could do something so drastic on such a simple system.

I personally have not had any issues, but have read it multiple times. You also have to remember a small change to us is an enormous change for a transmission with tight tolerances. Having a worn syncro creates a lot of different scenarios when te geometry has changed as well.

I am just letting the OP know that there could be a chance of grinding when shifting gears because of other post. I don't want him coming back pissy or having a bad taste in his mouth about the forum or these cars. That is all.

[KeedyT]

Excluding the obvious bushing condition......Could someone define "normal" for a Z? As in, if placed in gear (any gear), yes, the shift knob will happily bob an inch to either side and this is "normal"?

Coming from such as a Miata and an S2000 this feels unnatural but has certainly been the case in a bunch of other cars. Many of us have never had a Z car before the 25 y/o one we now have and are trying to establish what it was "supposed to be" [factory] before we go about improving.

[nelso419]

We'll the bushings were not worn out, there weren't any installed at all.

With the brass bushings installed I would call normal a sway of 1/2 in. left and right (1in. total) from top of shifter when in gear. Atleast for my car.

[itsa300zx]

We'll the bushings were not worn out, there weren't any installed at all.

With the brass bushings installed I would call normal a sway of 1/2 in. left and right (1in. total) from top of shifter when in gear. Atleast for my car.

Thanks for sharing that. To me, that seem like a lot of play. Mine only has maybe 1/8" play side to side total when in any gear. I have needle roller bearings and the shifter bracket is welded at the pivot points.