Hi all. I know this is a topic covered by many different threads already but none seem to answer my problem. I'm in the middle of a resto of my van and wanted to tighten the gear changes ( yes I know that it's not going to be perfect, not looking for that) Firstly, I've been looking at the usual causes people mention and it seems to be centred around the bushings at the front just below cab floor and the coupler at the rear, is that right?? I'm also under the impression these can be changed with the gearbox in van still?? Secondly, I tried fitting a speed shifter but couldn't seem to get it to change gear at all with it fitted and jumping into reverse more often than not, any idea what I'm doing wrong?? How is the metal stop plate suppose to be positioned?? Cheers
It's not just front and rear bushes http://thelatebay.com/index.php?threads/how-to-change-your-gear-rod-bushes.20030/ There are lots of little bits along the way that can all add to the 'sloppiness' As you are mid resto, have you got your engine out? its not much extra work to drop the gearbox and do the shift rod shuttle cock bushes. front and rear can be done with the engine and box still in, but if you then discover it is the shuttle cocks your going to have to take it all out again. get under the van and try to move the main/long gear shift rod up and down & side to side - if there is any play then the shuttle cocks will need replacing. The quick shift kit should work fine, sounds like you didn't adjust properly, or you didn't have the gear stick seated in the front rod correctly. But it wont compensate if your bushes are worn. To adjust, make sure your shift plate is the right way around (sloping tab to the right from memory) put into second gear and push the plate as hard left as you can, then tighten up
No I haven't taken engine and gearbox out. Not going that far on the resto to take that step. Mainly going for repainted and colour change and interior. The underneath welding etc was all sorted a few years ago. But just trying to do a few things underneath that wasn't looked at before and while I'm sorting the heating tubes etc under there thought I'd have a go at sorting the gear shifter somewhat. thanks for the info I'll get under there to try and see if it's the shuttlecock bushing that might be affected as well. But as this is the only bus I've driven I'm not sure on comparison if there is anything wrong with it all but was fitting the quick shifter plate to make it a bit easier.
If you have free play, fitting a quick shift will change it from stirring porridge in a bowl, to stirring porridge in a cup. Unless you can hear/feel the shift rod scraping on the tube, or the shift is very stiff, the shuttlecocks will be ok. If your gear lever swings through an arc while slightly rotating (in gear), the cup/slot on the front shift rod and/or the pin in the lever that locates in the slot are worn. If the gear lever is really loose when it's in gear and all above already looked at, there's something broken in the nosecone - the hockey stick ball or the casting it fits in are likely culprets. The lockout plate is still needed with the quick shift kit, the flanges point upwards, the longest one on the right. One poor design part of the quick shift is that to get them bolted down hard enough not to move, the spacer plate being hollow allows the original gear stick base to bend, after which it will become self centring and impossible to adjust without removing and straightening first.
