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i just put a 5-speed in my truck today and the question i have is the 2 plugs in front of the shifter, i think they are for the shift detents, how tight should they be? they were backed out about 1-8 inch and not very tight
Normally, there are little metal caps that hold the springs and detents in the shift detents holes. And there are are actually 3 in front of the shifter.
However, doing a quick look at the parts files, it does look like there was as few transmissions that had bolts instead of the caps, or that it is a possible service item (maybe if the holes get worn oversize, which wouldn't be very likely).
I'd turn them back in and see how the shifting feels. If they're too long and get tightened down, they may put too much pressure on the detents and make for hard shifting. It doesn't look like the bolts used different springs or detents than the stock caps, however they could have been incorrectly replaced during a rebuild. Looking at the parts file picture, there should be a star type lockwasher under the bolts.
If they are too loose, and work their way out, they won't provide any pressure on the detents and its likely the transmission wouldn't stay in gear. Also dirt and water could enter the case through the hole.
Unless I'm mistaken, they shouldn't be pipe plugs at all. The parts file shows either the metal caps, which are like mini freeze plugs, or a "plug M12x1.5" for one certain rebuilt model number transmission. The picture looks like a regular bolt that has a lockwasher. A pipe plug may work if the hole is tapered so it can jam in, otherwise there wouldn't be any way to hold it in place unless you used threadlocker.
If they are loose, try to tighten them and see what happens. If they are loose enough that you are worried about them, its very likely they will rattle out. After all, the springs underneath are constantly pushing them up.
Its a detent pin, not a ball, but yes, just the spring and the pin. Shouldn't be any issue removing them. Just watch out in case the spring tries to launch out and go missing.