I have found that ever since owning my 2007 that the shifter has been a little sloppy. I upgraded to an MGW shifter which made a big difference. When I did this, I also replaced the blown shifter bushings that mount between the shifter and the torque tube. But, I found that my lower box was worn where the output shaft rides in the box. I tore this apart and found that the shaft rides in a thin plastic bushing that is supported by an O-Ring.

Because this bushing is not replaceable I planned to buy a new lower box. But, before I did that, I thought I would see if I could fab something. I went to the local hardware store with no idea what I was there for. I looked at the brass and nylon bushings, and came across a nylon bushing that has a 1/2" Id that matched the shaft. The OD is 3/4" which fits the box. The width is 3/8", which is about 3 times the width of the original.

I removed the original bushing and dust cover and then pressed in (tapped in with hammer)the nylon bushing. Once pressed in the ID was compressed just enough that the shaft did not move easily enough. So, I used a 1/2" drill bit to open up the ID just enough. Once I did this, the shaft is still a snug fit, but moves easily.

After re-installing, I found there is no longer any side to side movement by the shaft. Shifting is easier and more precise.

I have just installed this, so no long term results yet. But, for the money I am very pleased.

 

Nice!

 

Do you still have the packages the parts came in?

Many tanks for the post.

 

There wasn't a package. But, I snapped a pick of the drawer that I pulled it from. Hopefully this is enough info.

 

Very nice find and the pics are excellent (you must have a good camera).

 

Put about 20 mi on the car today. Super happy so far.

 

Good solution. Hope it lasts. I had the same problem when I installed my MGW several years ago and fixed it by spending $160 on a new box.

 

Tech sharing posts like this are some of the best on the forum IMO.

 

Thanks Doug! between the Mantic I got from you, the MGW, and this, the car is shifting better that ever and like it is supposed to. I can't speak for the MGW lower, but I don't think a brand new stock box would be as good as this cheap upgrade. I can really feel what gear I'm in now instead of blindly forcing left or right.

 

Thanks for this. Works great so far!!

 

Bumping this up as A Great & Timely Help!

 

Isn't this repair/mod unnecessary with the latest MGW kits that come with the lower box?

 

Just got done! Used a countersink to remove the factory stake marks, glued in place with 3m trim adhesive and a generous amount of lithium grease. Very tight fit.
Feels much better, need to wait a few months for the snow and salt to go away. BTW, the o-ring / teflon assembly is .130", this is .375"
Locally, I found it at Menards.

Thx for the tip!

 

If you purchase the lower box , which I think now comes with the new shifter from MGW, they have a much more robust bushing arrangement. The MGW bushings are about an inch long so you have great support for the lower shaft .

 

Any long term updates? Did you do anything for the front?

 

Still works perfect