I've been noticing this getting worse over the last few weeks but today on the freeway it sounded like it was going to rattle itself apart.  It's only noticeable at 2500 and above.  Is a full rebuild required or is there an adjustment I can do to help?  I plan on taking the shift boots off and then driving it to see if I can figure out specifically where it's coming from, but haven't gotten to that yet.  Just seein' if anyone has any idears.  Shifter is working great in all other aspects, just rattly.  

______________

Make sure the shifter is bolted up tight to the mount.
Make sure ALL of the tension clips are on the linkages...don't use cotter pins.
Make sure the trans mount is good. If you have a urethane mount, it can contribute to more noise than normal.
Make sure you do not have a driveline, or engine vibration.
If all of the above is in good shape, then you either live with it, or rebuild the shifter.

These are the kind of clips the shift linkages should have on them. We used to call them "Jesus" clips(long story), but some call them "Mickey Mouse" clips. Either way, these hold tension on the linkages, to help keep the rattles down. A regular cotter pin will not work properly.






|UPDATED|10/22/2012 8:17:12 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|


______________

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Joel's on to something, as usual, with shiter slop. I had the same problem with my 71. What I found was the linkage was worn and sloppy where it slides into the shifter mounting holes. Plus the holes were big time worn out & egg shaped. The more it rattled the more it wore out the holes, and continued to get worse. I replaced the shifter and linkage and it went away. Whether or not you can tighten it up without replacing, not sure. Maybe try putting some spacers between the rod and clip to tighten it up. Worth a try before you pull the shifter to let you know your on the right track.

______________

Click on images for Before and After pics!

Thanks, guys.  I'll have to crawl under there and see if I can find anything obvious.  Joel, I'm pretty sure all the linkages have the clips you describe.  (But I'd love to hear the story someday about the name!).  

______________