[smo]

My 88 is stuck in gear. It feels like fourth. At any rate. Where should I look under the car to see if the shift linkage broke apart?
The symptom is that the gear select moves but won't come out of gear. The spring resistance is also not felt.

Just looking for a starting point since I'm dead at work for now. I didnt see anything near the starter and can't get a good look on the passenger side due to the incline I'm stuck on.

I didn't look in the rear yet. Wasn't thinking straight

[John]

Look toward the top of the trans, drover's side. Any number of bolts could have backed out of the shift linkage to get you to where you are now. It is a fun problem to have, BTDT. Good luck.

[HoodPin]

Do you have a short shift kit?

Sounds like one of the hold down bolts on the shifter has worked loose. There is a shaft from the shifter that leads to the top of the tranny. If possible to put someone in the car while you're underneath, you can see if the shaft moves while the shifter is moved around. The shaft connects to the shifter at the top of the tranny, which then translates the movement into inputs into the tranny (fore & aft and left & right). Short shift kits are known for the hold down bolt loosening, and allowing the shaft to move around without positively engaging the shift mechanism. However, if the shifter at the top of the tranny appears to be moving in concert with the shaft, the problem may be inside the tranny.

[smo]

I'll have to crawl under and take a look when I get back to the office. I'm not aware of a short shift kit being installed. I didn't put one in.

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by smo

I'll have to crawl under and take a look when I get back to the office. I'm not aware of a short shift kit being installed. I didn't put one in.

I believe its a possible issue on the OEM shifter, too. But I know that the bolt used on the short shift kit (Weltmiester??) is known for getting loose. I've started using locktite on my cars.

[smo]

So basically driver side rear near the top of the trans. I hope this can be done without a jack and tools.

[HoodPin]

Originally Posted by smo

So basically driver side rear near the top of the trans. I hope this can be done without a jack and tools.

Will be difficult without a jack, unless you're a skinny sort. The shifter is at the top of the tranny, and can be a bit of a reach. The other problem will be getting the bolt retightened in the right location (can't recall if there's a detent to insure it only goes on one way). If you're stuck in a remote spot, I would recommend using the jack to lift the car, and then put the spare under the driver's wheel to firmly support the car.

[John]

How far do you have to go? And where are you now? When I had this problem (it was the bolt on the Weltmeister short shift kit that backed out on me, Tony) I was fortunately in third gear and close to home, so I was able to limp home from where I was.

It may also be the bolt that holds the rod from the front of the car to the shift linkage on the transmission. That bolt should be safety wired. I think I put some locktite on mine, too.

[smo]

Car is in Reston near weihle. I have to go to sterling. Problem is that I think it's in fourth. I'd rather not find out how weak my clutch is trying to drag it home.

[John]

You have a PM, SMO.