ponchosmule

Hello all, my issue is as follows. Somtimes when I go to shift into first the shifter will spin clockwise. I will have to use both hands and spin the shifter counter clockwise. It will then let me catch first gear. I am not sure if maybe the shifter is held on with 2 bolts and maybe one is missing? Thats why the shifter rotates? Also I know it's stupid but how is the shift boot removed to look down in there to check it out?

83 shortbed 5 speed 4x4

83

Pull up the boot, and take a look down in there. There have been a couple threads, you might be able to find them, that go into how to get the actual shifter out. There's a metal retainer you need to push down on, and turn. It and a spring pop out, and then you can pull out the shifter. It's possible that the two pins that go into grooves in the shifter are worn, or the grooves in the shifter are worn out. Somebody had an issue where his whole shifter would just easily spin around...can't remember what his problem ended up being but he posted it in this section just a couple months ago. Check the pre-84 archives.

ponchosmule

Thanks I have been searching but I can not find anything. Does the shift boot screw down? I don't want to tear it up trying to take it out. Thanks for the info it is a start.

83

The piece in your actual cab has a few screws in it, yes. You'll take the whole part around the tranny and t-cases shifters off. The actual boot under that, around the base of the shifter where it goes into the tranny does not have any screws.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...ission-167483/

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f114...em-fit-166634/

Second one shows a nice photo of what your shifter looks like, even though it's talking about an issue with a 4-speed. Those grooves in the shifter are what I was talking about.

ponchosmule

Thanks 83 for the help. Will look at it this weekend. This sounds exactly like what is happening.