If it's really sloppy... get the coupler and shift rod bushings done first.  Anything else you do really needs these corrected before you tackle them.  

I don't even want to think about all the parts I bought for the Dasher that still haven't been inistalled.   

Thanks for the offer... on my way to work I stopped and picked up the shifter coupler cause I plan on replacing it anyways... Chuck didn't think there was a shifter bushing- at least the catalogs didn't mention it. It looks like online stores sell them.

Do I have to pull the trans to replace the bushings? I think I can get the coupler without removing it. But the bushings might be a different story...

I hope its not the trans but there is an ad on the samba that has one that is "fresh" and its $350. Its not local...but Megan's sister and brother-in-law lived really close to where it is and they go back quite often because they are selling their house. I could probably have them pick it up before the show...if its the trans

I asked William what he thought and he laid down and watched the shifter go through its paces. He said there was some little slop and the front bushing needs to be replace and I need to install the rear coupler, but he said it was getting its full travel. He was confused because he said that 1st and reverse are the same gear they just turn the other way. I have no idea. So its only popping out in first and the reverse seems just as strong and fine as can be.

He said Zen might know because he's dealt with the selector forks in there a time a two, but William didn't really know. He also said it was a 6 rib (I had never counted and I didn't get down there and confirm it, but that seems to be a  later model trans than what came in it.)

I've still got to put the coupler in, but I'm not really wanting to replace he trans just yet... ugh...

***EDIT*** after doing some reading, I think mine was supposed to come with a 5 rib instead of the 3, which means he might have seen a whole bunch of ribs and thought it was a 6. I'll double check tomorrow if I get a chance.

I asked William what he thought and he laid down and watched the shifter go through its paces. He said there was some little slop and the front bushing needs to be replace and I need to install the rear coupler, but he said it was getting its full travel. He was confused because he said that 1st and reverse are the same gear they just turn the other way. I have no idea. So its only popping out in first and the reverse seems just as strong and fine as can be.

He said Zen might know because he's dealt with the selector forks in there a time a two, but William didn't really know. He also said it was a 6 rib (I had never counted and I didn't get down there and confirm it, but that seems to be a  later model trans than what came in it.)

I've still got to put the coupler in, but I'm not really wanting to replace he trans just yet... ugh...

***EDIT*** after doing some reading, I think mine was supposed to come with a 5 rib instead of the 3, which means he might have seen a whole bunch of ribs and thought it was a 6. I'll double check tomorrow if I get a chance.

Really its a 1st and 2nd slide gear with the shift fork.  When you go to put the tranny in 1st , the shift fork shoves the slide into the first gear. When you go for rev. the slide gear is in between 1st and 2nd and a rev idler is shoved on to the outside of  the 1st and 2nd slide. rev gear has its own little shift fork. The bottom line is you can have rev gear and no 1st or you can have 1st gear and no rev. depending which gear is  damaged. Does this confused you ?  A lot of times on these Type-2 trannys, the gear carrier case is worn out where the mainshaft and counter shaft brgs are mounted . It would be better and less expensive to replace the tranny.

So if I'm looking at another transmission, how do I know if the gear carrier case has gone to crap?

Zen, I might take you up on that. I was hoping I could find another trans and not have to tear into one, but I'm ok with try if I don't have anything to lose. I really don't want to double my investment on a transmission!

So if I'm looking at another transmission, how do I know if the gear carrier case has gone to crap?

Zen, I might take you up on that. I was hoping I could find another trans and not have to tear into one, but I'm ok with try if I don't have anything to lose. I really don't want to double my investment on a transmission!

You have to take the nose cone off then wiggle stuff around. Even if it snug doesn't mean it will not jump out of gear.