drivetrain slop felt in shifter

[johnmoses]

Did search but did not find much. Just bought a 2000 2.7 5-speed 51k easy miles (1st purchased by 55 year old lady) im the 2nd owner. When test driving these cars I found a hand full that had a similer feeling in the shifter. When going from acceleration to coasting you can feel the shifter move with the drivetrain. It does it in most gears but 2nd is worse. The front motor mount was recently replaced. Not that big of an issue but I want to install a b&m ssk and fear the back lash with be even more noticable. Any suggestions?

[Tool Pants]

If the engine and transmission mounts are ok then a bit of movement is normal.

When you get on and off the gas the shift lever will move forward and back a bit. This is because the shift lever is not connected directly to the transmission, but connected via cables. As the powertrain unit moves in the mounts so does the shift lever.

[rdragon]

i have a similar problem in 2nd gear. glad to hear this is normal. but mine is mainly when shifting from 1st to 2nd. it has a tendency to kind of pop out of gear. is that normal as well?

[boxs2000]

I do notice my shifter moving slightly up and down during hard accel/decelleration which is normal. As far as it popping out of gear is most definately not normal. You may want to check about servicing the transmission or linkage adjustment. I have heard of people having a harder time going from 1st to second gear when a short shift kit (mainly oe option) when the engine is cold but once the car hits normal operating temperature it shifts normal. Either way your car should should never pop out of gear.

[rdragon]

thanks boxs2000

tool pants - how do you know "If the engine and transmission mounts are ok..." thanks.