Front shifter link fix/mod

General Mazda MX-3 Discussions
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Tavman_1213
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Front shifter link fix/mod

Post by Tavman_1213 »

So Mi|<e an I were both having the same issue of the front shifter link having the same issue where you would tighten it all the way an you would still have some play in the shifter. So we found in my bolt bin a couple of 14mm transmission bolts an we made a flat edge on the top to fit with the linkage. Next we drill out the bottom of the linkage to allow the bolt to go through completely. Found a nut to make our new shifter linkage bolt, tightened it down(you can go pretty tight on this one cause its only the one under the shifter that has to pivot). And Walla no more shifter play(if the other is tightened up with lock tight). I havent driven my car since doing this mod but Mi|<e says its the best mod you can do for drivability!!
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Do this at your own risk but I think it's a great mod for a flawed design!
93 White RS- BPT Built not bought!!
Worklog: viewtopic.php?f=46&t=78988
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Daninski
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Re: Front shifter link fix/mod

Post by Daninski »

Not exactly sure what you mean, can you elaborate a little for my illiterate self. :wink: That bolt goes through the front shifter linkage at the trans isn't it? Is that where you experienced excessive tolerance.
Last edited by Daninski on June 16th, 2013, 8:18 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Tavman_1213
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Re: Front shifter link fix/mod

Post by Tavman_1213 »

Yes it is the front bolt that goes through the transmission. So with this new design you can tighten it up an take all the slack out of the linkage. It also can not be over tightened like the one that attaches to the shifter because it does not pivot or move.
So the stock bolt you are unable to tighten it down completely because it hits the bottom of the shifter linkage cause of the design of the bolt. As you can see there is very limited threads an you can never tighten it down because the bolt bottoms out before all the play is taken out of the linkage. This is why we took a regular bolt(one that just fits through the bushings) and notched it at the top so that you would not have to change the shifter linkage.
93 White RS- BPT Built not bought!!
Worklog: viewtopic.php?f=46&t=78988
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[LVPA]93GsSe
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Re: Front shifter link fix/mod

Post by [LVPA]93GsSe »

I like the sound of this, would like to hear what you think of it when you drive it.
Knowing you've spent too much on your car,
yet, you still want to keep modding. -priceless
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Evo_Spec
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Re: Front shifter link fix/mod

Post by Evo_Spec »

awesome discovery, i've been having issues with this myself.
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MrMazda92
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Re: Front shifter link fix/mod

Post by MrMazda92 »

I did this as well, but didn't really explain when I made my original thread about shifter play...

I have about 1/16" lateral play in my shifter, and I love the hell out of it. It does vibrate far more than stock though... I think mine has the worst shudder/shake to it that I've ever felt...

Totally worth it though!! Thanks for sharing the idea! :)
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Daninski
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Re: Front shifter link fix/mod

Post by Daninski »

Hmm, I never noticed any play in mine but then I probably wan't looking for it. So we should experience less side to side (lateral) slop in our shifters with this fix. I hate the lateral play in my shifter.
2004 Subaru WRX Silver, stage 2, minty interior.
2002 Subaru WRX Blue, SOLD (best E test numbers I've ever seen)
94 MX-6. Sold
92 GS KLZE 5 Speed
96 GS 5 speed, KLZE, Sold
95 GS Minty Shape Sold
92 GS Sold
92 GS Parts Car scrapped.
Feedback viewtopic.php?f=37&t=66348" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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I know you believe that you understand what you think I said but I'm sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.
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