85 4+3: Shifter spring loaded?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 292
Likes: 58
From: Freeport, Illinois
85 4+3: Shifter spring loaded?
I love the old-school-muscle-car feel of the 4 speed shifter in my '85. But one thing I'm having a hard time getting used to is the lack of any spring loading on the shifter. I'm used to 5 or 6 speed manuals where the shifters are spring loaded to the 3-4 position so the 2-3 shift is more up, less over since the spring handles the over for the most part.
Is there no spring loading to the 3-4 side on the 4-speed trans, or even to neutral? It feels like neutral centering is more of where the shifter naturally lands rather than a position it's guided into by any means. Is there something missing or in need of adjustment on my car?
I haven't found anything in searches, and I don't see any springs in the linkage in the FSM diagrams.
Is there no spring loading to the 3-4 side on the 4-speed trans, or even to neutral? It feels like neutral centering is more of where the shifter naturally lands rather than a position it's guided into by any means. Is there something missing or in need of adjustment on my car?
I haven't found anything in searches, and I don't see any springs in the linkage in the FSM diagrams.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 1,148
From: Vermilion OH
My 84 is the same way. It's a stiff near springless shifting action that requires direct engagement with each gear. It's marvelous to drive though, and I enjoy it as much as my 93 6spd.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 401
From: Liberty, SC
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I had never thought about this before your post. On my way in this morning i was sitting at a light. When i tap my 88 out of first or second it snaps over, still in neutral, and aligns w the 3-4 slot. There is certainly something spring-like that is pushing/pulling/putting it there.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 387
Likes: 148
From: Langton, Ontario, Canada
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Racer
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 383
Likes: 124
From: St. Petersburg, FL
I had never thought about this before your post. On my way in this morning i was sitting at a light. When i tap my 88 out of first or second it snaps over, still in neutral, and aligns w the 3-4 slot. There is certainly something spring-like that is pushing/pulling/putting it there.
