Just completed the replacement of the shift box bushings on my 77 300D. My wife had been complaining forever??, got them from Phil at Fastlane for a couple of dollars, decided now was the time, so:

1. Took out ashtray, removed the two phillips screws
2. Slipped the console cover back, did not break plastic pin ( 2 screws in front).
3. Removed 3 #10 metric bolts from gear shift box.
4. Lifted box, loosened #15 metric nut and took out shift lever.
5. Removed 3 #10 metric bolts from the shifter, TIED shift lever from trans with string to insure I didn't have to crawl under and put back up.
6. Removed the shifter from Mr. Lincoln, went to my shop.
7. Removed the locking ring, I did purchase a set of ring pliers several years ago, good to have.
8. Removed the 3 washers.
9. Removed one of the locking rings on the rod that holds the spring, slipped it out and spring yoke off.
10. Took out the old bushings, one in good shape, replaced both.
11, Reassembled shifter, back to car.
12. Replaced shifter, trans rod locking nut a pain.
13. Replaced the old factory shift knob with one I had from a previous car, cleaned all the stuff, back together, tested no slop.
14. Told wife, she said: "What took you so long to fix that little thing"!

Rewarded myself with a bier!

Wish I had a digital camera, for photos, thanks to all who post their jobs, it sure helps!


Mr. Lincoln goes to the shop tomorrow for replacement of tie rods, center link, steering shock, etc, and alignment having a friend do it at the Goodyear store, don't want to crawl under the car anymore than I have to.


Ron

Good stuff. So other than basic sockets, all I really need is a set of snap ring pliers? My shifter is pretty sloppy going into all the gears.

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1985 300TD-euro 352,000 mi
1974 240D (1?)52,000 mi - has a new home now