here's the problem. i have an 88 gxl with a manual trans. and the shift lever wont center itself when not in gear. if it is in its center neutral position, i can push it to the right, a and it will spring back to center, but if i push it to the left if just stays there. I can put it into gear ok, but its a little tricky telling 1st from 3rd. and its not the bushings, i already tried that

 

There is a spring in the (shifter housing?) that moves the shifter back into place. If you pull the shifter rod out and look into the transmission. You should see a small metal bar.

 

Don't worry about it unless it really bugs you- that spring is real fun to put back in. I've been driving around forever with it missing, it's no big deal. As long as that 5th/rev spring is good, it shouldn't be a safety issue...

 

its driving me nuts. do i have to take the trans out to fix it or can this be done while in the car?