Guest

Anyone know of anyone that rebuilds the 4+3 Shifters?

Rich B.

Yep. You, the user! :D

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:

Dominic Sorresso

Dennis,

I have a complete 4+3 with brackets if you need anything

GRX

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.

Rich B.

What rubber/plastic bushings are those??? :confused:

GRX

There is a bushing at both ends of the shift rods.

Rich B.

Ah, OK! My bad! My mind was elsewhere...Yes, if they're worn out, you would definately need to replace them...Please post any pics on that, as I would be very interested in how you did it... :thumbs:




[Modified by Rich B., 6:29 PM 3/7/2004]

GRX

Sorry I don't have pics of the conversion brackets>>is that what your asking?

grapidssteve

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.

Guest

went to back up ...wrong...Wouldn't do it..Can this be fixed?

GRX

Is that the symptom? Because if it is, it is a symptom of the OD going out. Have you checked to see if the shifter is adjusted? There is a tool that you insert into the shifter to "zero" it. then you adjust all the shift rods including the reverse rod. I can get you the dimensions for the tool.


[Modified by GRX, 6:32 PM 3/7/2004]

Guest

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.

GRX

The pin is integral with the rod. If it sheared, then you need another reverse rod.

Guest

Original Question?? Can it be rebuilt??

GRX

Slap on new bushings all the pins and lube all mating surfaces.

Guest

Where can I find the Parts??? G.M.?

skybolt31

I would like the dimensions. My shifter feels just a little "unsmooth" going through the neutral gate, so I am planning on doing an adjustment soon

CentralCoaster

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)

GRX

Here you go...

CAJUN C4

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?