015/016 Monoball shift bushing replacement

[John Cody Forbes]

So the big ball socket shifter bushing on one of my 5ktq's disintegrated a few weeks ago. As some of you may know, this bushing is NLA. 034 has some, but says it's a finite supply. I didn't want to be slaved in the future to ordering one from California or stuck if/when they run out, so I decided to improve the shifter while using a readily available part.

http://jcforbes.com/jcfpics/9-11-10_Shifter

The monoball is something that can be had online or at any speed shop for cheap. The rest (besides the bolt) I turned up on the lathe from aluminum. It works great, and the mechanism feels wonderful now.

Anybody interested in a kit for about $50? It would include a modified lever for the transmission (would need to have your old one as I only have one spare), the bushing the holds the monoball in the shift linkage, the monoball, the inner sleeve/spacer, and the bolt. Installation does not require removing the linkage from the car, my assembly drops right in where the stock bushing used to live. 

I know this setup would work on 4000's, 5000's, C3 100's, and 200's. I would bet there are more. I'll check the family album for other models ASAP.

Currently I just want to gauge interest. Before I am ready to send any out I want to switch to a different monoball with more travel. This one works, but it's exactly perfect with no room for error. I've sourced the new one I want, but haven't ordered it yet.

-Cody (mobile)