I have a 96 Explorer Sport- 4WD with a 5 speed manual transmission. 235,000 miles


The shifter is ultra sloppy. Are there bushings or springs or something that cause this that need to be replaced. I am looking for a little direction from someone familiar with the transmission before I dive in to correct this.


Thanks,

 

The Mazda in the Explorer/Ranger is the same basic design as the model used in the F150. Just smaller. The procedure to take the top off the trans and fix the shifting is pretty much the same. I do not know if you have a panel in the floor though....

Read on, and note that while I don't think it's discussed, the bushings for the shifter are replaceable as well:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...cs-inside.html

 

Thanks for the link.


I don't think this is a shift fork issue though. The shifter moves a foot or more side to side while in gear. It actually does well moving through gears and the shifts between gears are good.

 

There are bushings and pins at the base of the shifter so pull that apart and replace them.