I have noticed that when I am in gear and I let off the throttle in a pull that I get front to back movement in the shifter. Not a lot of visual movement, but with your hand on the shifter you feel it rock back and forward. Similar play when downshifting and even a little when upshifting.

I have a set of shifter box mount bushings waiting to be installed, but not sure if this is my issue. I added the powerflex trans mount layer to what looked like a pretty aged oem trans mount. All other engine mounts recently replaced.

Is this front to back movement normal?
Should I look first at my oem trans mount?
What impact will the solid aluminum shifter box bushing/ mount have?

Thanks, I have done some searching, but cant find anyone describing the same movement I am feeling. I have checked shift cables and shift weight, they move freely without binding and appear ok.

 

I think I know what u are describing...mine does that.

every manual car I’ve had did / does. My vote, it’s normal.

the trans moves, not stationary...connected to the shift cables, connected to the shift lever...

 

I know what you mean, on the other hand I have owned some crazy shitboxes

 

Mine does that as well, I believe I have the same in my Volvo S80 (5 speed manual)

 

It’s normal. If you want to minimize shifter movement, you can change out the lower engine torque mount to something stiffer, or add a bushing insert.

 

Yeah, I recently replaced the upper engine mount (OEM), the lower engine mount (OEM, then filled with poly, so stiffer than stock), and as I said, added the powerflex bushing to both the trans mount and the upper mount by the strut. However, even though I added the powerflex bushings, I did not replace the trans or upper mount itself.

Anyway- I think I am still getting some engine movement. Have noticed it rocking differently going up/ down a hill and on/ off the throttle. It has improved a ton, but I think it can get a little better. Might try to do those mounts in my next round of maintanance.

 

ordered the vip pro sport upper engine mount damper. Replaces the old upper mount and looks like it should firm things up a bit. Will post a follow up when I get it in to say if it changes things.

 

company that sells the vip mount damper contacted me to say that my vin didn’t match product I ordered. They say I have the earlier style upper rear engine mount in my 04- so their mount won’t work. I can convert to the 04 + style, but not sure the expense is worth it- doubles the cost of that mod.

still planning to do shifter box bushings and maybe install the metal washers on my existing power flex bushings. Probably more nvh, but prefer the firm, positive shift feel.