126 Shift Lever Box Questions

[cuban8]

1983 300SD
365,000 miles

My shift lever got real sloppy so I popped off the clip under the car on the lever and then went up top and pulled out the entire black box that holds the shift lever, indicator, fiber optic cable, etc.

The left hand white plastic bushing's shoulder disintegrated causing the bushing to shift to the right and out of its boss, causing the sloppy shift lever action.

Also, the rubber boot is shot and the shift letters and numerals don't illuminate (but all the other fiber optic cables work...so if it's just one bulb, is my indicator shot?)

I read all of the posts, but nothing seems to apply to what I'm doing...? Can someone direct me to the appropriate post or give me some search words that will work. I'm obviously searching wrong.

A few more questions:

1. Can it be fixed or do I have to buy the whole box?

2. Can the rubber be replaced?

Thanks,
Lee

[babymog]

If the '91 350SDL box will work, I believe I still have one, for shipping. Different transmission and stretched body, might be a different linkage entirely. PM me if you find it will fit.

[cuban8]

Thanks.

I'll see what info turns up here over the next few days.

[cdplayer]

I have a similar low light/no light on the shift indicator. I got another fiber optic indicator from the junk yard. And in doing so did a little investigating as to the light's source. If you take out your radio, look through the opening straight forward. Mounted on the wall is a spider looking thingy with fiber leads attached all around. I think there are five or six. In the middle of this spider thingy is the light bulb that supplies the optics.
Sometimes these bulbs get dingy.

I too have good lighting to the switches that feed off this source. But not so good at the shift indicator. That's why I began to believe the shift indicator lead may have gotten pinched somehow. Or even pulled out of the spider thingy a little thus reducing the amount of light flowing through the optic.

As yet I have not installed the new lead. So I can not report if my thinking is correct.

[cuban8]

Update--

I called the dealer today and was able to order the rubber boot and the bushings (no idea if the parts are local or if they'll have to come from Germany). I'll report back and let you all know how the install goes.

The dealer parts diagram shows all the parts, including the fiber optic strap and cable, so I assume that can be ordered as well.

Still welcoming more info and advise here.

[Hatterasguy]

You can rebuild them, cheap to I did mine a couple of years ago and loved the results.

The dealer sells all the parts seperate, as you found out.

If you are replacing the bushings for the transmission shift rod make sure the rod that rides inside the bushing is perfectly smooth. Mine has a bit of rust pitting on it and it keeps eating those shifter bushings, the only last a year or two and are a PITA to replace. One of these days I'm just going to order a new rod, probably when the currant bushing gives up.