Okay, so I've had this problem with my 2000 for a while and just dealt with it. Not sure if over the winter, and the temperature being colder caused the bushings to harden and sort of masked the problem or what. But as it gets warmer here in the NE I'm noticing more and more "slop" in my shifting. So what it does, when attempting to engage 1st gear it doesn't "want" to go in, I sort of have to jiggle it or put it in neutral then in 1st and it will go, but it sometimes forces me to push it far, maybe an inch or two further than I was pushing it before when this problem wasn't evident. To the point where I'm almost hitting the climate control The gears that this problem is most noticeable in are 1/3/5, it's also gradually becoming difficult to find the gears. So over the past couple weeks I've pretty much been granny shifting since it takes a second or two to make sure the gear is engaged, not fun.

My question is this, has anybody else experienced this problem? If so, what made it go away? My thought is to buy a new ralco STS from Cattman in the hopes the new bushings will solve my problem.

Also, I should note, it has both vertical play in the shifting and horizontal but mainly to the left (drivers side) the passenger side seems somewhat firm. Maybe because those are the gears used the most?

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Anyone?

 

I don't know if these are still available, but if not you can buy some of this and stiffen that mount yourself. There is another bushing where the support rod bolts to the transmission. It may be possible to fill that with urethane as well.

 

ES shifter assembly bushings are $22.00 its worth a shot.

When I replaced mine I noticed that my banjo bushing on the engine side of the connection was quite sloppy and worn out.

The STS kit is seperate but I'd reccomend doing that at the same time.

 

The 95-01 shift linkage is totally different from the 02-03 linkage. The ES bushings are for the 02-03 only.

 

Cool, thanks for the link...I know the Larrio shift bushing/kit is no longer available through him....there was another member (carnalc30)that was contemplating making them, but I don't think it ever came to fruition.

On the other link for McMaster, would it be the urethane highlighted that I'm looking for? 8644K11?

 

^^^ carnalc30 mine for my 98 and 01 Max. I am not sure if he/she is still making them today though, as I purchased mine about a year or so ago. All that was required was that I sent back my core so he could make more urethane bushings for other members.

 

Carnal would do it if he gets 10+ ordered. My Urethane shifter link bushing ripped so I was hoping to get a replacement. My shifts are terrible now (just like you are experiencing) till I replace that link which is located under the car and usually have to remove the CAT to reach it. If carnal decides to make the urethane shifter bushings again then I would definitely pick one of those up if not try to find one under the classifieds or buy one from Dave B.

 

I have an 02 Max and I did a Ralco short shifter and energy suspension bushings...WHAT A DIFFERENCE......shifts like a sports car now and not some UPS delivery truck......I know the 95 - 01 is different and I don't know if they have energy suspension bushings for it....but I'm sure there is something...ANYTHING is better than that SLOPPY MAC TRUCK shifter that comes from the factory....Nissan should be ashamed!!

 

Okay, I think I'm going to go the DIY route. I had PM'd carnal a few months ago about this and he seemed to be gauging interest.

That McMaster link posted earlier, I just need to receive confirmation of the P/N then I'll order....I just found out my company has an account with them which should generate some savings

Thanks for the input guys!