Re: Sloppy V8 5-speed shifter

[Dave Fain <KC3565L@sprintmail.com>]

> > It is difficult to get into 1st, 2nd and reverse.  Is there a simple
> > replacement part that will alleviate this problem.
> 
> Checked the gearbox oil level?

I think it's a problem with the linkage, probably due to wear
in the ball sockets.  I went to back out of a parking space
the other day and found that I couldn't get my 4000 Quattro
into reverse. I did a temporary fix by loosening the 4 bolts
that hold the shift lever to the floor and moving it about 1/8"
to the right so that reverse would engage easier.  You can see how
far it's moved by looking at the 2 alignment holes.  This
made it harder to get into first and second so I removed the 
nut on the left side and ground off a millimeter or two so
that the shift lever could go a little further to the left.
I know, it's a crude repair but it will get me by until I
get around to rebuilding the linkage.
Dave