I've been popping out of third sometimes but only right after I shift into it. If I hold the shifter in for a split second longer, it doesn't do it. It's only right after I go into third. Wondering if it's a bushing because, otherwise, it seems fine. Any advice or links to parts?

 

You have ruled out it is not being caused by the shifter boot or any part of the console ??

I had one with the wrong boots on took me long enough to figure that one out

My first thing to try because it is cheap so to speak is to change the shifter bushing and seat check Marlin Crawler

If that does not fix the problem what happens is as the bearings wear it changes how things mesh and it pops out of gear

If that is the case time for rebuild or a used transmission

 

You have not by chance put in a different transmission have you? If you put in the incorrect transmission, the transmission tunnel is cut out at different sizes for each transmission. The hole for a W series is different from a G series. If not I would try replacing the Bushing and Seat at the bottom of the shifter. Other then that I would start suspecting the syncros and not much you can do about that other then replace transmission or rebuild as far as I am aware of.

 

I changed the boot and it didn't fix much, I'm going to try the bushing and seat next. Im hoping it's that because it is happening consistently and the shifter does have some play to it.

 

lots of threads on this issue, but years ago i had the same problem....except it was in second...and the bushing/seat replacement fixed it. if it's not grinding into gear, you're probably okay. good luck it's just the bushing/seat!

oh, and this was on my '86 22re 4rnr. if you have the same tranny, redline mt-90 is really good for them, atleast. i'd started out using mobil 1, but it never shifted as smooth as with the mt-90.