I have a ‘98 C5 with the 6 speed manual. I was having a problem with the shifter being hard to shift, especially reverse. I took the center console apart and got down to the shift control. I found pieces of hard rubber down in the bottom of the shift control in the back. I cleaned them out and still have the assembly exposed. Is there a bushing in the shift locator? It really doesn’t look like there should be, but where did all the hard rubber come from? The shifter still has the hard rubber ball on the bottom end. Any ideas on what has happened? Confused 🫤

 

Where exactly did you find the hard rubber? In the shifter tub? Do you have a pic? It's possible your tub could need a rebuild (or a new one). I had mine rebuilt by TMod and it made it easier to hit R for me (using MGW shifter).

 

@TMODcustoms Ideas?

 

what shifter, did u try and readjust it? Where was the debris? Not much to it other than what u see

 

The debris were in the shift assembly - maybe 3 or 4 pieces ranging in size of less than 1/4” to 1/2”. It makes no sense unless there is/was some type of bushing.The shifter is a B&M short throw that was installed before I got the car almost 20 years ago

 

MM6 thread

 

Looks like the bushing gave up. Time to contact TMOD. Send him a msg. He’s done a lot of the lower boxes for forum members and very good results. You’ll need to pull the box out and send it to him. Make sure to remove the vibration strip on the bottom side of the box and hang onto it! It’s just held on by RTV so carefully use a razor blade to remove it. Also, suggest you buy a delrin shifter bushing from him.

 

That debris in there is the factory shifter bushing breaking down, it's the box giving you problems. It's developed slop and wear and that's just what happens. This happens to everyone due to age, it's also not helped by the seals in the box giving up and letting dirt and debris in there; this is why I always cry about getting the boxes closed up and keeping debris out.
Good thing is, it's a simple fix. Send me the box and I'll rebuild it. It will be a significant improvement over how it was before you started having trouble with it and it's guaranteed for the life of the car; it will stay nice, tight and smooth forever. If you would like we can also discuss aftermarket shifter options but you will be very happy if you just do the box by itself as well.

I'm going to do a little sale for this weekend but I haven't announced it. If you send in a box to be upgraded I'll toss in the shifter bushing on the house. If you buy a shifter kit you can add a clutch stop at a discount as well, ten bucks off or something like that. I know it's not a lot, I wish I could do more, I will promise you will be glad you did your box, it really is a must for these cars.

If you can not send your box in to be upgraded, if you can't have the car down or for whatever reason, you can go with the Billet Box instead. This is a totally new box that replaces the stock box, no need to send anything in to me. They feel and function the same it's just a little more expensive option because I have to make the whole box vs modifying the stock box.

Feel free to shoot me an email and I'll write up an invoice. I'm happy to discuss all the options and details and make sure the parts your getting are the parts you are going to enjoy the most.

 

I just ordered the shifter box from you with poly bushings - I’m 76 and not going to the track😂. Thank you for all of your help and advice.
Ben

 

Also, if this is a direct replacement and everything works as it should I’ll have no need for the old box. If you would like it as a core for rebuild I’d be fine if you want it.
Ben

 

My pleasure Ben, glad I could help out.