[VashSpiegel]

I took the idea to bolt the support bar that runs from the transmission to the shifter boot to solve the dropped shifter problem [thanks FEAO]. The bar has broke off the ring connecting it to the boot. Does anyone know the purpose for this design [aka:: Will it have a negative effect without it?].

 

[madmatt2024]

Yes, you need the bar. That bar is to connect the shifter assembly to the transmission so that the shifter moves with the tranny, that's what the rubber is there to allow. If the shifter assembly doesn't move with the tranny then it is possible for the car to pop out of gear when you floor it or coast in gear. It can also make it difficult to shift.

 

[VashSpiegel]

Since its a manual, one hand on the wheel and one on the shifter. Problem solved. Figured out how to fix the dropped shifter boot that's still left. With the bolt that I already put in at the 2 o'clock position, I put in a cane bolt at 7 o'clock. This fixes the shifter from ever dropping again. Ford should have kept the 1st gen design

 

[LOWETGT]

This fixes the shifter from ever dropping again. Ford should have kept the 1st gen design

Yeah, on the 2nd gen, that was designed by Mazda. I agree, a def. weak point that is easily addressed. I also have mine bolted up to avoid the drop again.

 

[racerboy]

This fixes the shifter from ever dropping again. Ford should have kept the 1st gen design

Yeah, on the 2nd gen, that was designed by Mazda. I agree, a def. weak point that is easily addressed. I also have mine bolted up to avoid the drop again.

pics please? This just happened during my most recent enduro, and it was pain to keep it in gear with one hand and steer with the other.

 

[LOWETGT]

Here is mine, sorry for the crappy pics.

The bolt is not centered because when you see the underside of shifter, you will understand the locating.