Recently bought an 81 SR5 that had major slop in the shifter. After a little research, I discovered that the problem was more than likely the Shifter Rod Bushings. Easy fix except I couldn't seem to find any "Big Box" store that could get the parts. Long story short, I found the parts at lowrangeoffroad.com. They specialize in Toys and Suzukis and had a good inventory for '79+ Toys. The fix took 15 min and I'm shifting smooth now. Thought this might help if anyone is having this prob.

 

http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmi...ver-ball-seats

http://www.marlincrawler.com/transmi...t-lever-socket

install both and thank me later.

 

Done.

Thread can be closed now.

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*bows*

Thank you, Thank you haha

 

Yeah those shifter bushings don't cure everything.
The L50 i pulled from my 81' has major shifter slop, as well as sliding in and out of 4th with no resistance, and both bushings are good.. so...

 

You totally just killed MaK's buzz.

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Mak, thanks for the link. Looks like the one I just put in. Glad to find another source.

 

Dude thats cool, I've had some slop in my 83's shifter for awhile now didn't think much of it, but a $16 fix, man you can't beat that!

 

Thank you for the info. I just received my set from Marlin. I only have a little slop in my shifter but I do not want any. I run Mobil 1 gear oil in my trans and I am amased how quiet and smooth the transmission operates after 28 years of use.