Shifter moving front and back after DS install

Mitchstang · 11-30-2008

I was looking for some insight on what I'm feeling in my car. I installed a Shaftmasters 4" driveshaft about 2 weeks ago. When I am driving I can feel the shifter moving slightly forward and back. It is most noticeable when going over bumps, but I can feel it when switching from acceleration to deceleration and back. I have an MGW shifter. I have heard that some people have experienced clearance issues, but I checked and there was no rubbing between the shifter and the driveshaft. I even adjusted it all the way up to be sure and still felt the movement of the shifter.

So I was trying to figure out what I was feeling. I thought maybe the new driveshaft is more rigid and is pushing on the tranny causing the shifter to move back and forth. I doesn't pop out of gear or anything so I don't think this is a problem. I was just wondering if anyone else has felt this and if anyone has an idea of what causes it.

On another note the Shaftmasters piece is amazing. I should have done this mod sooner with the change in pickup I have felt. I ordered it on a Monday and it was at my house on Wednesday, free shipping. I've taken it up to 90 so far and I didn't feel any vibration.

travelers · 11-30-2008

The only thing that would cause that is a stiff spline (slip joint) on the drive shaft. Its not sliding in or out depending on the rear movement. How are your motor mounts?

Mitchstang · 11-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelers

The only thing that would cause that is a stiff spline (slip joint) on the drive shaft. Its not sliding in or out depending on the rear movement. How are your motor mounts?

That is a good idea about the slip joint. It was somewhat tough to pull out during install, but not too bad. Maybe it just needs to be broken in to get looser? The car has 20k on it and the past 5k have been with the hot rod cams. It seems like they would make it rougher on the motor mounts, but I wouldn't think they are bad.

travelers · 11-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchstang

That is a good idea about the slip joint. It was somewhat tough to pull out during install, but not too bad. Maybe it just needs to be broken in to get looser? The car has 20k on it and the past 5k have been with the hot rod cams. It seems like they would make it rougher on the motor mounts, but I wouldn't think they are bad.

Check and see if the slip has a grease fitting. I would keep an eye on the MMs. they are liquid filled and with the new cams and motion they cause, they might go south faster then usual.

Did you get the car dynoed after the cam install? If so can you post the dyno sheet?

**stlwagon** · 11-30-2008

Mine does the same thing. Not anything to worry about.

Mitchstang · 11-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlwagon

Mine does the same thing. Not anything to worry about.

That is what I was looking for. Do you have any explanation as to why it happens?

To travelers, I dynoed it on a dyno dynamics and got 299. I don't have a baseline from before to compare it to. I'll have to dig up the dyno sheet. Look for it tomorrow.

**stlwagon** · 11-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchstang

That is what I was looking for. Do you have any explanation as to why it happens?

To travelers, I dynoed it on a dyno dynamics and got 299. I don't have a baseline from before to compare it to. I'll have to dig up the dyno sheet. Look for it tomorrow.

There is much less give in the driveshaft so you're feeling everything more. The OEM driveshaft absorbed a lot of that movement..

Mitchstang · 11-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlwagon

There is much less give in the driveshaft so you're feeling everything more. The OEM driveshaft absorbed a lot of that movement..

Got it, that is along the line of what I was thinking. Thanks for the help.

shaftmasters · 12-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitchstang

Got it, that is along the line of what I was thinking. Thanks for the help.

We have had a couple of reports of this occurence with MGW shifters. The accordian dust boots are kinda stiff which causes the slip joint to be alittle tight at first. This should subside once it breaks in. There is no grease fitting for the slip joint on these driveshafts. We give the slip a liberal amount of grease during installation which should be good for the life of the U-joints. When it is time to change the U-joints I would grease the slip joint then.

TheKurgan · 12-01-2008

Mine does this too and I didn't notice it until after a weekend at a road racing course a few months ago. I think it's due to the motor mounts wearing out and letting the engine move around a little more. I have the Hurst and stock DS so I dont' think it's related to driveshaft or shifter.

originalsnake · 12-01-2008

I had the powerhouse driveshaft when it first came out and it has done the same thing since i got it. Recently i put in a torque limiter and solid motor mounts and that shifter doesnt move at all anymore. In response to one of the posts this has nothing to do with the MGW shifter it is the driveshaft.

TheKurgan · 12-01-2008

Why would you think it's the driveshaft? You said it stopped after you put in new motor mounts....

**stlwagon** · 12-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by originalsnake

I had the powerhouse driveshaft when it first came out and it has done the same thing since i got it. Recently i put in a torque limiter and solid motor mounts and that shifter doesnt move at all anymore. In response to one of the posts this has nothing to do with the MGW shifter it is the driveshaft.

Mine definitely decreased once I added the K-brace.