Can the gear lever be reinstalled....

[cbmeadors]

I've reached my terminal frustration point in trying to reinstall the shifter around the drive shaft- so I thought I'd ask. Is it possible to reinstall the gear shift sub-assembly without removing the drive shaft (later 5 speed transmission)?

I was able to get the broken one out (after much fiddling) so I assumed that it would go back much the same way. However, after all manner of pushing, pulling, twisting, etc., I can't seem to get it into position. It mostly seems to be binding up on the little rubber ball which is bonded to the lever. I've had the best luck pushing it between the drive shaft and the exhaust, but it doesn't seem to make it all the way.

So can it be done? If so- is the trick to it that I'm missing?

Thanks in advance

[beachboy]

Is this a serious question?


You know it gets installed from inside the car, dont you. Please purchase a shop manual for the spider.

[cbmeadors]

This is a serious question - and I do have a shop manual. My shop manuals first give instructions on removing the entire transmission from the car, and then how to disassemble the shift mechanism. My issue is that I'm trying to fix the shifter without having to remove the transmission. I know this has been done as it's in other threads. For example:

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic ... 59&p=45968

I've already removed the shifter via removing the bottom plate with the 3 screws and I've got the subassembly back together. I'm stuck trying to get it back in there.

Based on your comment, I'm struggling to understand how this could be done exclusively from inside the car being as the access to the ball/lever/spring and lock nut is all via the the plate with three screws on the bottom of the gearbox. I don't see any evidence of it in the thread above which is the closest I've found for what I'm trying to accomplish. Are you suggesting that I remove the entire gearbox through the access panel inside the car?

[TulsaSpider]

Ok well not sure exactly what your issue is. This is best done with two people, one on the inside of the car and one on the bottom- but can be done with one. You must install the shifter from inside the car, the tough part if I remember correctly is pushing it down to get the components fitted correctly and then getting the nut on the shaft.

[beachboy]

I guess you are serious. That OK,
The shifter gets installed from above and just have someone hold it in position while you install all the rest of the components.
Sorry, but I've gotta laugh at the thought of someone installing the shifter from below with the trans in place. Use a nylock nut on the end of the shifter so that the vibration does not make it come loose, which is a common problem. Nothing like driving and having the shifter start spinning in your hand. Put a little lube on the metal cups that attack to the lower part of the shifter for smooth operation.
A Clymer or Brookline shop manual is a good bet to have. They both discuss taking the shifter level out from the inside.
Good Luck.