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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: redzuki89 on August 10, 2009, 03:39:22 PM

Title: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: redzuki89 on August 10, 2009, 03:39:22 PM
wife was driving home and the sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd gear.  I pulled the top off and it freed up right away.  I greased the cup that the shift rides in and reassembled.  We've been driving it with not problem, but wondering if it will happen again.
Has anyone had this problem and if so, what do you do about it?
Thanks for your input!
Stock 89 Sammi 4X4 with 1.3L  5speed trans
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: essjay on August 10, 2009, 04:28:20 PM
could it be the shifter bushing? have you ever replaced it?  if not get one, and replace the one in your transfer case as well.  I got mine from petroworks, call them, if you just get small parts like the bushings and a carb vent tube (works great I bought one and noticed a big difference on the freeway) you can get them shipped through the usps for like 5 bucks, instead of the 12 they quote you on the net.  I just called and asked them if they will ship it regular mail.

other than that, dunno what could be the issue.
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: oak_raid on August 11, 2009, 06:11:18 AM
Yep, sounds like its time to replace your shifter sheets.  As stated, get the kit and do the transfer case bushing as well.  You can pick up the kit, which includes a polyurethane bushing for transfer case and tranny along with the bolt to fix your tranny shifter, for around $30. 

This was the first thing I did when I bought my sammy.  I have seen the shifter get stuck in gear, and didnt want to have this problem.
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: essjay on August 11, 2009, 02:38:42 PM
Make sure after you take the shift lever out of the transmission(not the Tcase) take a paper towel and gently shove it into the hole to the transmission to block it off, then just go ahead and take the other 4 bolts off to remove the tower(I think they are 12mm bolts) do this before you try to take the shifter bolt out(the one that is replaced by the new one in the kit) this way you wont have to worry about dropping the broken bolt end into the tranny, I did this because IMO its always better to work alittle more to be safe, then have to waste the rest of an evening fixing something that shouldn't ever have been an issue.  Besides, it was simple to take the tower off, and if the bolt wont come out, you have to punch it out anyway, and cant to that with the tower still on the tranny.
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: ebewley on August 11, 2009, 02:45:50 PM
Here's an article with some pictures... It may help a bit.. I dunno...

http://www.zukiworld.com/month_090102/feature_hawkshifterpinfix.htm

Good Luck, Eric
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: essjay on August 19, 2009, 04:13:33 AM
did that take care of it?
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: Merlin93 on August 21, 2009, 08:56:51 AM
Yep, sounds like its time to replace your shifter sheets....

You might also consider the BRASS "lifetime" shifter sheets for both T-case & transmission at zuksoffroad.com.  If you have an early, small (8mm) locating bolt transmission, you might replace the bolt as well. They have a reputation for breaking. Later models had a 10mm locating bolt and never seem to break.
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: essjay on August 23, 2009, 03:53:23 PM
I assume you mean the line between older and newer is the 88.5 model? Mines an 87 and Im pretty sure the head on the bolt was 10mm and it was broken. just fyi
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: idaholwb on August 24, 2009, 12:53:54 AM
 The earlier locating bolt had a 12mm head and 8mm threads. The later model (came out in 89 or 90 I think) used 10mm threads with a 14mm head.
Title: Re: sammi shift lever got stuck in 3rd
Post by: essjay on August 24, 2009, 03:17:32 PM
yep thats right, 12mm head. tnx