Transmission A or B? Fix loose linkage

[DannDZ]

I am attempting to tighten the shift linkage on my early '71. I had some new nylon bushings in "stock" so I thought I'd use those. When I got to the linkage, there was no match with the bushings. So, I think I have a Type A transmission. Can someone tell from the picture below?

Also, how do I fix this linkage so I don't have to stir to find the gear? Just a different bushing?

 

Thanks

[Zed Head]

I'm not sure on the A or B part but that is what they call the "monkey motion" shifter.  Early style.  I don't know which parts wear out either.  Apparently they tend to get loose, there's a bunch on the internet about it.

https://www.google.com/search?q=datsun+monkey+motion+shifter&rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS862US862&oq=datsun+monkey+motion+shifter&aqs=chrome..69i57.9386j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[DannDZ]

1 hour ago, Zed Head said:

I'm not sure on the A or B part but that is what they call the "monkey motion" shifter. 

Thanks. Based on my research that makes it a Type A, aka "the one with the goofy shift linkage, AKA "monkey-motion" shifter."  That is logical and confirmed.

Now, can anyone tell me how I can make it so I don't have to search for the next gear? I'd like it to have some feel! 

[Zed Head]

I posted a pile of Google links.  Find the worn parts is the key.  See where the play is when you move the lever now that it's exposed.

[DannDZ]

11 hours ago, Zed Head said:

I posted a pile of Google links.  Find the worn parts is the key.  See where the play is when you move the lever now that it's exposed.

Thanks again. I did look at the links, but after I responded. Yes, that is a good source of information. Someone mentioned a replacement for the upper rubber "bushing." I took notes and will do some more searching. But in most cases it seems that this is just the nature of the transmission and that there is not much that can be done. I do wish I could remember how it shifted back when I bought it in 1975 with 25,000 miles on the odometer!

[zKars]

See that pin with the C clip on it? Remove and replace with a 1/4 bolt with washers on both sides, and a self locking nut. Feel free to use a M6 bolt if you want to keep it all metric.  Tighten the nut until it squeezes the fork closed just enough to take out the slop but still lets the linkage move. 

Did this in first in 1975. Still a thing.

[DannDZ]

14 hours ago, zKars said:

See that pin with the C clip on it? Remove and replace with a 1/4 bolt with washers on both sides, and a self locking nut. Feel free to use a M6 bolt if you want to keep it all metric.  Tighten the nut until it squeezes the fork closed just enough to take out the slop but still lets the linkage move. 

Did this in first in 1975. Still a thing.

Thanks for the suggestion. It's something to try.

[Zed Head]

You could shim inside the fork also, instead, if you don't want to bend things.  Seems like there's no magic one-shot fix.  Usually on these types of things you just have to do several small fixes that will all add up to a tighter system.

The first thing I'd do is wiggle the shift lever and see what's loose.  Even if if you had a specific one-shot fix suggestion you'd want to do that.  It's all right there in your picture.