GhettoFab brass shifter bushing

[me109]

The one in the shifter itself. Not on the cables.

I started with a threaded brass pipe plug with a 3/8" square head. Then I cut off the threaded part, leaving only the head.

I drilled a 11/64" hole through the middle. It was too small, so I enlarged it gradually. 13/64" was the magic number.

The sides need to be trimmed. I did not measure the final width. I had the shifter assembly next to me, so I just kept checking the fit. I trimmed it with an upside-down belt sander wearing a fairly course grit belt. I think it was 80 grit. Brass is very soft. I scraped the block against the sander while it was *NOT* running.

[stariondriver]

Awesome. Back to the hardware store.

[Rocketman]

I did the same exact thing only out of a small piece of Aluminum. Works great, I didnt take measurements though. Brass def looks better.

thanks!

[me109]

What aluminum did you start with?

I think the brass plug was about $2.50. Took me about 20 minutes to make it a bushing.

[Rocketman]

I had a piece of 6061 plate I cut the corner off, and then filed/ drilled to shape.

[nerd racing]

I need to do this to my shifter...

[jwaxt200]

what advantages do u get from doing this?

[JFmb]

I found out that the complete shifter assembly, with all bushings included and everything goes for 60$ at the dealer......

So instead of custom fab a couple of hours for this and that, buying metal and brass, I just ordered a new complete assembly and swapped everything in my custom lengthened "short shifter" one....

according to my dealer there is still a couple left across north america that can be ordered.

Just so you know...

[me109]

what advantages do u get from doing this?

Without that piece the shifter can twist a few degrees which makes it feel sloppy. So it tightens up the shifter feel.

I found out that the complete shifter assembly, with all bushings included and everything goes for 60$ at the dealer......

So instead of custom fab a couple of hours for this and that, buying metal and brass, I just ordered a new complete assembly and swapped everything in my custom lengthened "short shifter" one....

according to my dealer there is still a couple left across north america that can be ordered.

Just so you know...

Good to know. I'm cheap enough to have made this one anyway, but it's good to have a quick easy solution.

[stariondriver]

I found out that the complete shifter assembly, with all bushings included and everything goes for 60$ at the dealer......

So instead of custom fab a couple of hours for this and that, buying metal and brass, I just ordered a new complete assembly and swapped everything in my custom lengthened "short shifter" one....

according to my dealer there is still a couple left across north america that can be ordered.

Just so you know...

Whats the part number?

[jwaxt200]

is there anything else we can do to the 4wd's to tighten them up? i dont really know what wears out on them but mine seems to be getting sloppier over time. i called up the mazda dealer and was told there isn't any bushings to replace. so I'm gonna try this but just curious if there's anything else to do that will help.
sorry i know this is an old ass thread

[jay]

There's this mod and the brass bushings offered in another thread in this section. Those should solve your problems. but I'd take a look at your hardware and see where the slop is first.

[Rocketman]

Once I get my new faceplate installed on my lathe I'll make a couple of these

[bogaut]

ooh please do!

[josh95mx]

Yes, I would be game for a some as well.