Originally posted by 96_98_SE:
I'm just surprised that the OEM part doesn't include any locking mechanism on the metal shift rod -- it's just held in place by friction from the rubber bushing.


Why would it need a retainer? There is NO lateral pressure on the cable end to push it off the rod. Look, the cable isn't doing the hokey pokey. The cable goes in; the cable goes out; there is no shake it all around.


Originally posted by 96_98_SE:
This solution is in many respects superior to the OEM part.


Yes, if there is a gremlin under your hood pushing the cable off the rod then your e-clip/zip-tie solution is better. I drove around for over two weeks with no rubber bushing on the end--it was just the white plastic circle over the rod--and it didn't come off; and if you've noticed the angle it takes to slide the cable end of the rod you'll realize that a retainer is not required. Unless you do some wicked snap shift into third, failure of this bushing DOES NOT result in the cable end sliding off the shaft, it simply results in a loose shifter and difficulty getting into 2nd, 4th, and R. Why is this so hard to understand?

-- 1999 SVT #220 -- In retrospect, it was all downhill from here. RIP, CEG.