I have a 94 4x4 ctd and the shifter is really loose. when going down the road it shakes back and forth about 3 to 4 inches.<br>Is there anything I can do to stop this or am I stuck with a truck that waves to the pasengers the whole trip?<br><br><br>Aaron

 

The loose shifter is a common ailment. <br><br>First check to be sure your lever extension is fully installed on the shift lever. You will see what I am talking about, there is a friction fit union that sometimes gets banged hard and pulled loose. If it is loose, get the tool I describe below and reinstall it. You have to pull the full assembly to reinstall the lever extension if it is loose, so the following applies.<br><br>For removal, put the transmission in neutral before doing anything else.<br><br>You need to remove the shifter and check the lever, spring, and retainer assembly. It is a pain if you have never done this, as it takes two screwdrivers through the pin retainer slots on both sides to hold the retainer pins down while you turn the retainer counterclockwise to free it of both pins.<br><br>Flopping around is usually due to one of the two lock pins being disengaged, and you will see it right away and be able to snap it back without complete removal. If it is not just a pin unlocked, the assembly likely needs to be replaced because of a broken retainer spring. Again, you will see the spring laying over itself if it is broken.<br><br>It also takes a special tool to pull the lever extension off the shift assembly, and to press it back on. Most tool rental places have the tool.<br><br>I always grease the assembly with a top grade grease before I put it back in the transmission. Dodge uses Vaseline.<br><br>Installation is the reverse, but make sure that the &quot;heavy&quot; mark on the squared off lever shank at the bottom of the assembly is facing forward as this part is used by both the regular NV4500 found in gas rigs and Chevys, and the HD NV4500 in the diesel. Also, be absolutely certain that both retainer pins reengage to lock the new assembly.

 

sounds hard I better make sure the shop is on hold in case I mess something up. ;D dang extra parts always have them laying around after a job.