any cure for stiff shifter?

My '72 246GT has had a stiff shifter since I bought it in 1987. It feels like friction in the linkage, like a bushing needs to be lubed, and has not changed since I got the car. There is no crunching or trouble engaging gears-- just stiffness in the lever.

Is there anything I can do for this?

Thanks

Jim

 

Jim - there are a number of possible causes, ranging from something rubbing against the shift rod as it traverses the distance from lever to gear box, something awry in the shift linkage at the shift lever, to an interference as the rod enters the oil sump.

It will require that you raise the car on a lift and inspect the system. Easy to do. If there is no obvious point of friction visible, then you will have to remove the center console to inspect and possibly disassemble the gear shift mechanism at the gear lever end.

One of my Dinos sits with the engine out at this moment, with the gear box and oil sump open. If you care to take a ride down my way I am happy to go through the whole system with you so that you can visualize it.

Jim S.

 

Thanks, Jim

I'll take a look at what linkages I can get to this weekend.
I do note that when the shift linkage is moved I can hear it rubbing against the inside of the console / tunnel, but since the tunnel touches both seats it obviously can't be moved to make clearance anyway.

Jim