Okay, so I just changed my shifter return spring and thought I would document it here since most of the information I could find on it is for the FC. You do not have to separate apart the tail end of the transmission nor do you need to remove the shifter turret box. You will want to start with the shifter in the transmission and I would leave it in neutral for now. Remove the two 10mm bolts on the bottom of the shifter turret, and the 19mm bolt with the crush washer on the rear. Be careful not to lose the springs and ball bearing. Also remove the side access plate.

Next you will want to put the transmission in reverse and remove the bolt or pin that keeps the shift rod to rotate.. My car has a bolt, but some have pins apparently.

After taking out the bolt/pin you can slide it off towards the rear of the car.



Now use a pin to rotate the shift rod towards neutral and into the transmission. This will allow you to get enough clearance to remove the block the shifter sits in.

 

Assembly is the reverse as disassembly mostly. The transmission is still in reverse but doesn't have that spring holding it in place. After putting the block in place you'll need to move it back and rotate it into the reverse position. When reinstalling the springs and ball bearing on the opposite side you'll want to do the metal shaft with the flat side first.

You'll want to to the bolt/spring/ball bearing second, after the other ones are fully screwed in and push on the shifter box as if you were moving it into the 5th gear or reverse like I am. Hold it there while you screw in the bolt with the crush washer, then let go and you'll hear a 'clunk' and everything fits into place. This is the reverse lockout I think and if you mess it up you won't be able to shift into reverse.

I'd recommend putting the shifter back in to verify it works correctly before putting the transmission back into the car. Here is what the spring looks like installed.







Hopefully this help someone. I know I could not find great pictures of the spring and related assembly. I'd imagine the FC and FD are similar but cannot confirm. My car is an 82 for reference.

 

This is a short video showing me moving the block into the 5/reverse position to install the bolt/spring/ball bearing/crush washer.

 

Nice writeup and instruction. Should be of help for FB owners. Would like to point out for those who might not know, SA's don't have this configuration.

 

Yep, not a lot here for SA gearbox, but -wow!- THIS is a great example of how good the peeps in this forum are. Well done, with thanks.

Stu A
80GS
AZ