shift rod busing and clip

radioman · Post by **radioman** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:25 am

I think my shift rod busing on my 73 Thing is gone. I found what appeared to be the pieces at the rear of the shift rod when replacing the coupling. Car a bit hard to shift. Anybody know where I can order this part for a Thing...or is a beetle part OK? How about replacing the 'regular' 90w gear oil with synthetic oil? Does it help? What do I look for and brand? The Thing seems geared quite low in fourth...I turn about 3k at 65 mph. Anybody ever used a aftermarket 'highway flyer' tranny in a Thing? Thanks Bill bblide@sc.rr.com

Glenn · Post by **Glenn** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:29 am

I would assume the bushing is the same as a Beetle's and most catalogs carry the bushing and clip.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:39 am

Bill I`m glad you bring this question here.
The shift assembly is basic T-1 as the bug used.
As for the gearing the Thing used a 4.12:1 R&P so you right it is geared down. The freeway flyer is an expensive setup for gearing up the old redux busses. If you just chnge to a bug transaxle you will get about a 3.80:1 r&p a SIGNIFICENT difference. Or if funds are tight go to a larger rear tire.
Hopefully someone with some knowlege will be by and give advise about gear lube. I have never used anything but standard 90W.
I have a question for you as well.
You`re getting some grinding or difficulty engaging first gear. Are you experiencing the same problem in reverse? If so we better look into the possability of clutch adjustment. Best of luck. Bob Ingman

radioman · Post by **radioman** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:53 am

Thanks for the aadvice so far.
Bob: No problem with grindijng at all...just a need to engage first with some thought or I am in fourth. Shift from first to second is fine if made realatively slowly. All others OK. Downshift to second also must be thoughtful. Clutch and PP new, TObearing new, clutch cable free play on specs. Could be I need to tweeak the shift rod stop plate at bit....but that is so time consuming, I have put it off. I am going to find and order the bushing for a 71-74 beetle I guess and see if it will work. The bushing may not be the secret anyway. Sorry about my spelling....am rushing about today. Roger on the tranny situation....I assume you are running abus tranny? Which one....any installation problems. Bill

radioman · Post by **radioman** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 11:56 am

Bob....I meant BUG tranny....not BUS in both places. I must have had a senior moment again.....again......aga...ag...a! Bill

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:20 pm

Bill no problems on installation. You just put your drive flanges on it and install. Or have a bug R&P installed in your trans if it is good. The chief difference is internal.
The more I think about the holes the more I seem to remember someone (that knew) saying they were used to mount radio equipment in military vehicles.