T-90 Shifter Jammed Up

So yesterday I took the CJ2 (46ish) to pick up my daughter from school and also had my son with me. We were going to go by the park, so they could play for a bit and when shifting from 2nd to third the shifter jammed up on me seemingly between 2nd and neutral, stranding me on a side street, no amount of force I was able to exert on the shift lever was able to do anything. Thankfully, I coasted to a stop in the shade, lol. I broke out the tool kit, and a friendly guy whose house I broke down in front of loaned me a pry bar to get the top cover off with.

I wish I would have taken a photo, but the square part of the shift lever that engages the shift rails had actually rotated a bit and jammed both rails. I straightened it out and slid the cover back into place, and everything was right on the way home. I took it back apart when I got home and inspected the rails/cover. The shift shaft is able to rotate left and right in the tower, making the square part of the shifter also able to get off square with its engagement on the shift rails. I also found the forks with a good bit of play at the pins. I also found this may be the reason I'm popping out of 2nd gear on decel. Anyone know the roll pin size?

Doing some internet searching, it looks like I can put roll pins in the shift forks to tighten up the play there. I just need to find out what size. As for the shift lever, Not sure what I can do there but be deliberate about how I shift. I have done some searching here and been unable to find any solid info about a similar situation happening to someone or any remedies. I'm open to suggestions on this. I can fix it easy enough, but pulling the shift tower all the time is not a solution to me.

 

I went and looked at parts to somewhat overhaul the shifter assy. It's about 100-110 dollars worth of parts to replace the forks, poppet balls and springs. I can get a new complete assembly from India via Ebay for less than 100 dollars. KW and Walks sells these for 150-200 dollars. They look the same.

 

If you were close, I'd give you another cover----- I would be looking for a good used, OEM cover.

 

Someone over on the CJ2 forums said they bought the aftermarket cover I was looking at. They said it works great, but is not exactly like the original, the shift cane isn't tapered like the original and is the same thickness from the bottom to the top. I went ahead and ordered one. Hopefully it gets here before I leave for Arkansas. As much as I'd like to stay original, this isn't and won't be a nut and bolt restoration so I'm ok with it not being exactly like the original.

 

x2, I have 3 or 4 T90's I'll be giving away soon.

 

I would love to have one here to overhaul and set aside as a spare. Wonder what shipping would be on one.

 

More than a T90 is worth.

 

The reason the shift lever rotates most likely is because the two locating pins in the top and two slots in the shift lever pivot ball are worn. This allows the lever to twist and do exactly what you are describing. Best bet is to find a good used OEM unit local to you. Should be fairly easy to source.