4+3 Shifter Rebuild
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (CAJUN ZZ4)
Anyone know of anyone that rebuilds the 4+3 Shifters?
These boogers are hardened to the point where they basically don't wear at all. The circlip will probably need replacing (it does wear), and the reverse lockout rod usually snaps the end off, but other than that most problems can be cured with a neutral alignment adjustment.
Transmission problems, sadly, can not be cured with a shifter rebuild. :(
Removing the shifter, cleaning it and regreasing it is about all it requires. In some cases, where the user (*always* the "previous owner") has abused it, the main body may need "squashing" to tighten it up.
I also recommend a short-shift kit, like MAD sells (~$20). :thumbs:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,252
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley Kalifornia
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (CAJUN ZZ4)
Well, the hardware IS hard as hell...I can confirm that. Years ago I converted my 4+3 to a Richmond 6 speed. In the process, I did away with the shifter ( and fiberglass mounting boss in the tunnell!!) so that I cound convert to the Long shifter. Well after trying it out I was very disappointed with the level of gear noise the Richmond makes. :mad Mad as hell with the money/effort I spent I decided to convert back to the 4+3. After all my car is a street car not a RACING car. I custom welded brackets to re-attach the 4+3 shifter to the tunnel and I can testify that that steel is incredibly hard!.................You can replace the rubber/plastic bushings though. I'm sure they are standard 4 speed transmision parts that GM used. Also clean and LUBE and ADJUST the shifter for optimum performance!!! Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,516
Likes: 0
From: Lockport NY
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (GRX)
There is a bushing at both ends of the shift rods.
[Modified by Rich B., 6:29 PM 3/7/2004]
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 126
Likes: 2
From: Belmont MI
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (CAJUN ZZ4)
Like many of the replies, I agree that it looks as if the shifter shouldn't wear out. However, there is a 'rod' that does wear out, and that causes the shifting to be anything but pleasant. In my case, I had all sorts of difficulty trying to go from 1st to 2nd with any consistency. I would literally have to 'search' for 2nd gear, very frustrating when autocrossing.
I was all set to try to do a rebuild, or buy a shifter from a swap meet, until I read an article in a Corvette, Cars + Parts magazine (sorry, don't have that article anymore) that showed what wears out.
The rod can be purchased from The Corvette Clinic in Florida. I don't have the # handy, but if you look at just about any back issue of Corvette Fever magazine, they'll be listed on some type of project they did for the magazine. The rod cost something like $50 and to this day, it was the best $50 I've spent on the car.
Hope this helps.
I was all set to try to do a rebuild, or buy a shifter from a swap meet, until I read an article in a Corvette, Cars + Parts magazine (sorry, don't have that article anymore) that showed what wears out.
The rod can be purchased from The Corvette Clinic in Florida. I don't have the # handy, but if you look at just about any back issue of Corvette Fever magazine, they'll be listed on some type of project they did for the magazine. The rod cost something like $50 and to this day, it was the best $50 I've spent on the car.
Hope this helps.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 6,252
Likes: 2
From: Silicon Valley Kalifornia
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (CAJUN ZZ4)
went to back up ...wrong...Wouldn't do it..Can this be fixed?
[Modified by GRX, 6:32 PM 3/7/2004]
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (GRX)
All you guys are great..God Bless...I think my problem is.. is that the reverse Pin sheared..Can this be fixed???? I subsequently bought another shifter and all's well.Thought I'd get my original one rebuilt. BTW I have the allignment tool if anyone needs the dimensions to make one.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,493
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (CAJUN ZZ4)
BTW I have the allignment tool if anyone needs the dimensions to make one.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (CAJUN ZZ4)
went to back up ...wrong...Wouldn't do it..Can this be fixed?
Does it hang up moving it sideways into reverse? If you can't get the shifter sideways into it, it's probably neutral alignment, or a bad reverse lockout button (easy fixes). If you can get the shifter in reverse, and the car doesn't go, I'd be looking at your overdrive unit carefully. (bad)
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,771
Likes: 0
From: MANDEVILLE, LA La
Re: 4+3 Shifter Rebuild (CentralCoaster)
No ..I put in another shifter works great..this is my original one I was gonna re-build for a spare or sell.Must have been my reverse pin?How do I fix that?