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

Just finished repairing the shift linkage on my 4000 Quattro.
I was having trouble engaging reverse and first/second gears
because one of the ball sockets on the rod that controls the
side to side movement of the linkage was extremely loose.
According to the local parts department, there are two types
of replacements:  one is a silicone rubber piece that snaps
into the socket.  With the other one, you replace the entire
end of the rod (probably $$$ and they were out of them....guess
which type I have?).  I ended up grinding out the insides of
the socket with a rotary rasp, putting a big gob of silicone
into it and sticking the silicone rubber cup in so it could
dry overnight.  Total repair cost about $2.50 and it shifts
like new.  Don't know if the V8 has a similar setup, but it's
worth looking into.
Dave