Sloppy Linkage?

Darth_Laser · 05-03-2004

So yeah, finally get my DSM to start again and i was toolin along and shifted into third. When i shifted into third I noticed that it had A LOT of side to side play. Then when i tryed to shift into fifth gear it ran into the side of the console before I could even get to gear. So, long story short, I cant get into fifth or reverse! I recently got my car back from elite for the clutch install, i know they pull the tranny to get it in there... So think they may have played around with something? If so do they warranty the work? would they help me out or am I on my own. Any help you have to contribute to my problem is greatly appreciated.
1992 Plymouth Laser
AWD Turbo

john · 05-03-2004

PM ecoli about the problem.

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 05-03-2004

The problem might be inside the tranny itself. It was hard to move the linkage on the tranny. It seemed to be all gooed up inside there. When we drained the fluid from the tranny, there was about 3/4 of a quart of fluid in it and the little that came out was burned badly. We didn't touch the linkage under the console, but you could try adjusting it.

Enes · 05-03-2004

Yes, i remember when i towed it (if this is the one) it was super super hard to shift.. (the reason i asked you if you bought it from one guy), At that point i tought maybe cables were just stuck. I'd suggest adding some good oil to that trany now.

-E

Darth_Laser · 05-03-2004

So what do you suggest that I do, new tranny? is it repairable? just crappy linkage??

ps. yeah enes thats the one

Enes · 05-03-2004

Honestly, it would have to be looked at.. first i'd check the cheaper parts ie the linkage... check if you have any loose bolts, make sure the cables aren't stretched, or that the linking parts missing... both sides, the trany and shifter side.

then after that is checked out and you drive around a bit with some fresh oil in the trany then see if its still hapening, i'd disconect the calbes on the trany side and try shifting then, if its tough still then check the shifter side see if there is something getting in the way.... then move the cables alone by hand... hows it then.. after all that is checked out good i'd say then go into the engine bay and try shifting each rail by hand and see how it feels.. maybe the fork is stretched out or just needs to be oiled up..

I know that side to side move was really really tough... front to back wasn't soo hard.. but still hard...

-E

Darth_Laser · 05-03-2004

I forgot to mention, when i was driving the first time if I would work at it for a bit i would be able to get into fifth, but I would really have to wrench on it because I think the console was stopping it. I don't know if that changes anything that you guys had previously stated.

then after that is checked out and you drive around a bit with some fresh oil in the trany then see if its still hapening -Enes

Don't they put in new oil when they take out the tranny to get at the clutch??

**Shane@DBPerformance** · 05-03-2004

It has fresh tranny fluid in it from the clutch install. I don't know what kind they put in though. Adjusting the linkage under the console or a new set of shift cables might help.