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Manual Tranny - Hard to Shift

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Old Dec 9, 2023 | 11:02 AM
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Default Manual Tranny - Hard to Shift

Recently bought a used 2000 (C5) manual transmission (only 18K miles). Haven't owned a stick in many years, so my test drive gave me no indication of how hard I had to push to get into gear - all of them.
A friend has a 2001 (C5) stick and we were comparing notes. He suggested I drive his car to see what little effort he needs to put out to change gears. I was amazed - like a hot knife thru butter - very little effort needed to shift on his 2001.
Owners manual talks about the spring that centers the gearshift lever near 3rd and 4th. Says the spring will try to pull the gearshift towards these gears...but I don't believe this is my issue.
Looking for any ideas/suggestions on what this could be and how to overcome it. Thanks -
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Old Dec 9, 2023 | 11:12 AM
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Try the simplest first......Google Anti venom mod......if that doesn't correct it at least you'll only be out by maybe $3 plus half hour labor and can then dig deeper into a possible shifter swap.....
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Old Dec 9, 2023 | 12:52 PM
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it seems the car has set a while, I would guess the shift rod joints might be rusted ?? the lower box could also be a issue ?
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Old Dec 9, 2023 | 01:35 PM
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Good points made by the others above. I would also recommend changing the clutch and transmission fluid, especially if you don't know the service history where this was noted.
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Old Dec 10, 2023 | 12:12 AM
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Moved to C5 Tech.
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Old Dec 10, 2023 | 10:34 AM
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You may want to look into adjusting your shifter. There are many threads and some YouTubes on “C5 shifter alignment” or similar search terms.
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Old Dec 10, 2023 | 11:18 AM
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Is this for every gear or some more than others?
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Old Dec 10, 2023 | 12:46 PM
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Originally Posted by bookyoh
You may want to look into adjusting your shifter. There are many threads and some YouTubes on “C5 shifter alignment” or similar search terms.


THIS is the place to start.
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