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A Change For The Better
Posted by Chris Gilmour on October 07, 2008
A Change For The Better
Does you bus shift give you short shrift? Is it more ’flop gear’ than ’Top Gear’. Does it feel like ‘stirring custard’? If shifting gears in your 1968 -79 Camper is just not fun anymore, then read on!
One of the most common questions we get asked here at JKHQ is how to improve the shift on ‘Bay Window’ buses.. Well after years of both spannering on them and selling the bits to fix them, it usually boils down to one of the following.
1. Very Sloppy Gear Stick
If you’re gear shift resembles a drumstick in a welly top, there’s a high probability that the rear gear box coupling has worn out. It is located on the front end of the gearbox and is basically a form of universal joint. The rubber blocks that make up its construction usually wear away and then slop around in the cage they are located in. The result is the excessive movement that you feel in the cabin, whilst little or nothing happens at the business end! Replacing this cost effective component should only take a half hour or so, and if you can find a mate to help you, it isn’t too tricky. It can be replaced from underneath the vehicle without removing either the gearbox or front or rear shift rod.
2. Going from 3rd to 2nd you end up in reverse!
Ouch!. This one can be expensive if you don’t sort it out. Usually, the shift plate under the gear stick becomes worn. There is a raised section that ‘locks out’ the reverse gear until you push the gear stick down. Replacing this can make the world of difference.
3. Oil be Damned!
One of the most common causes of problems comes from people forgetting to change their gearbox oil. We recommend that changing it every 24 months or 24,000 miles (whichever comes sooner) will have a hugely beneficial effect and possibly save you the trouble and expense of replacing the gearbox for many years.
Handy Hints
When re-installing the gearstick, the lever should be exactly vertical when placed in 2nd gear with the cranked upper section inclined at about 30 degrees to the rear. Lateral movement measured at the lever knob with a gear engaged should not exceed 35mm In neutral, lateral movement should not exceed 70mm. Adjustment can be made to the stick position by slackening the two bolts on the plate at the base of the stick.
There you have it! Sort this little lot out and you should never miss a shift again!
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