stiff gear selector in 88 RR

[DougG]

I have had this RR for about 2 months. Just did a major maintenance overhaul, but I didn't do any transmission service. Did a road test today, and just noticed that the gear selector was a little stiff getting into Drive and Reverse. My wife had to use two hands to get it into D when she drove it. What would cause this? When I first bought it, it didn't seem that stiff. Could it just be a cable problem?
Thanks,
Doug

[DougG]

Ok, so now I have realised that the gear selector was stiff when the truck was driven for a while, and at normal operating temp. I just went out now to drive the truck, and it was shifting very easy. Why would it be easy to shift when cold, and difficult when warm. Is there a pressure build up? I checked the ATF level, and it was a little high. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Doug
88 RRC

[Drillbit]

The only thing i can think of that would cause that is a bad shifter cable. If it had frayed around the end a bit when it was cold it would still go into gear easily, and when it got warm and expaned it might be more tempermental. Let me know if you find anything out for sure.

Marty

[DougG]

Hey Marty, thanks, I'm convinced that it's the cable also. I talked to a friend at Atlantic British who used to own an 88 RRC and he said it is definately the cable. Like you said, when it gets hot, it heats up and expands and causes harder shifts. He said that I have to remove the cable and get some graphite lubricant into the housing. He said it is a real PITA job, but has to be done because the other alternative is a new $300 part. I'll let you know what happens after the fix.
Doug

[onslow]

Originally Posted by DougG

Hey Marty, thanks, I'm convinced that it's the cable also. I talked to a friend at Atlantic British who used to own an 88 RRC and he said it is definately the cable. Like you said, when it gets hot, it heats up and expands and causes harder shifts. He said that I have to remove the cable and get some graphite lubricant into the housing. He said it is a real PITA job, but has to be done because the other alternative is a new $300 part. I'll let you know what happens after the fix.
Doug

I would go and get a new cable try and who th hell quoted you $300 for a new cable would be cheaper to get a new after market cable from the UK wouldnt expect to pay more than $100 inc shipping,trying to lube a shot cable is pointless as it will fail when you least want it too,the job of swapping one is quite simple and is achieved by removing the centre console and removing the trim,after disconnecting the cable from the box you can remove the whole shifter assembly from inside the car no more than an hours operation.