I sometimes have issues getting the shifter into third and fourth gear. It just seems to jam up and I have to sort of feel around to get it into the gate. Anyone else have this problem?

 

Could be a Syncro problem..OR a Bushing problem.
Does the shifter feel sloppy?,and does it return back to center when in neutral?

 

Shifter feels a bit sloppy, yes. It does return to center when in neutral. I should probably have mentioned it's an 88 FC TII.

 

Could just be time for a new set of shifter bushings. I'd check out Atkins Rotary or Mazdatrix. It probably wouldn't hurt to change the oil in it while you are in there either.

 

The oil in the shifter area and the oil in the transmission are separate areas.They do not LINK.(you can't fill the trans through the shifter hole..do not TRY!)
If you find out it is bushings,before replacing,get a turkey baster or rags,whatever and get the crap out of the shifter hole,and then replace bushings and add "just enough fluid" to cover over the "block" inside the shifter hole.Too much fluid will leak(from heat),so be careful.

 

Thanks a lot for the info, guys! I'll let you know how it pans out.

 

Hmm...after visiting Mazdatrix, I'm wondering if I should just get a short shifter. It comes with new bushings.

 

What I ment was that it probably wouldn't hurt to dump the entire trans while he is doing some service to it. Mine shifted a lot better after fresh synthetic fluid. But definately do not try filling it through the shifter hole. Best way I found was to use some 3/8 ID transmission cooler line ans snake it down through the engine bay to the fill plug. About 3 feet of hose should be more than enough.

 

I actually just changed the trans fluid. Not in the shifter area though.

 

Also check the bushing in the block itself. The little insert will wear out in there as well. I would replace it with a bronze insert if possible.

 

Thanks for the info guys, I'll get back to you when I get the chance to work on this.

 

my guess would be the bushings, mine is doing the same thing.

 

I would recommend the short shifter. I bought one. Ill never go back lol

 

also try Lucas tranny fix