I was cleaning up the Z interior the other day and decided I was going to try to refresh my stock gear shift knob. But as I tried to unscrew it, the whole shift lever turned, and seemingly never came out. I am not familiar with what the bottom end of the shift lever looks like without the boot, but I know whatever is under there is original and has had 37 years of light use. (69000 miles).

how does the base of the shifter connect to the tranny, and is there a fix for the shift lever spinning, as I would rather it be firm and fixed in place.

For the shift lever itself (the chrome shaft) to spin, it would have to be a Type A transmission, with the monkey-motion linkage. The car must be either a '70 or '71, probably with its original 4 speed?

If all that is so, sounds like you need new shift lever bushings. OE rubber are still available from Nissan, part number #32853-22000, and you'll need a pair of them. My dealer charged me a whopping $1.65 each with club discount.

To install them (or to attempt to tighten the ones already in the car), you must get under the car. I can't remember if it can be done with the driveshaft in place, but even if it can it will be much easier after pulling the driveshaft. (Remember to drain the transmission oil first.) The bottom nut is 14mm, as is the pair of flats on the shift lever just above the bushings. So you'll need a pair of 14mm wrenches.

See the attached diagram for details.

Summit Racing sells some brass bushings that will hold up a lot better than the stock ones. I got some off ebay for $10 for my type B 4 speed and they made a world of difference. I was able to change them from the inside of the car too.

Greg

Type B is a totally different critter. No similarities at all. No way a Type B lever can spin.

Arne, thanks very much, you are spot on with my car. 71 model, straight shaft shifter. Good to know I have a monkey motion linkage in there! HaHA It actually makes sense why its called that. I certainly appreciate your time in researching this for me.

Have a great day!

Summit Racing sells some brass bushings that will hold up a lot better than the stock ones. I got some off ebay for $10 for my type B 4 speed and they made a world of difference. I was able to change them from the inside of the car too.

Greg

You like those things? I had them in my 810 for a while but didn't care for the vibration.

You like those things? I had them in my 810 for a while but didn't care for the vibration.

I haven't had any vibration at all on mine.

Greg

I just picked up the bushings Arne mentioned. Part #32853-22000.

They were $2.97 each, for an after tax total of $6.44. It took a couple of days for them to get from Kentucky all the way up here to the Puget Sound.

I noticed my shifter slowly spins nearly a year ago, but never really thought anything of it. Each time I get in her, I just twist it back. Always figured I'd get around to fixing it at some point and after seeing this thread I decided to finally do it. When I free up some time I'll see about putting these in and let everyone know how it goes.

I fear Arne is correct on having to pull the driveshaft. I was under my car trying to replace the transmission mount and looked up and saw that the yoke coming out of the tranny is very much in the way. But seeings how I need to get my driveshaft U-Joints redone, I may as well pull it and be done with it. Judging form the condition of the fluid in my rear end, the tranny oil is probably in bad need of changing as well.

But I am happy to say that I am done with the 'WHILE I AM HERE I MAY AS WELL's'

I don't think you ever get over the "while I'm at it".itis. For your sake, I hope you are right, but for me, it goes on and on and ......

I called the dealer and my parts are coming in 3 days. Dealership was happy to help me out as long as I prepaid for them. They were around 2.67 a piece.

Thanks!