Can bad shift linkage cause gear pop out?

[asifallasleep]

Ordered parts for shift rebuild from Blunt and purchased 4 speed from another forum member. Also ordered clutch kit from Autohausaz. As I wait for everything to arrive I'm wondering if my soupy linkage could be the cause of my 2nd gear pop outs. I'd hate to yank a good tranny if there's any chance that the shift rebuild would solve things. Some days I get no pop outs and other days I get loads. Seems like when the pop outs occur the shifter isn't fully in gear for the synchros to grab. When it goes all the way in the synchros really grabs on.

My clutch is fine but I figured I'd put a new one in with the tranny being removed.

[Guest Anonymous]

Of course sloppy shift platform bushings or a sloppy shifter/linkage could result in the transmission popping out of gear. You answered your own question. There is a detent that is designed to prevent unintentional gear changes. But if your shifter were sloppy enough, you may not be completely engaging the gear - even though, by outward appearance you think you are engaged. Much depends on how sloppy the linkage is. I once picked up an E24 with so much slop in the linkage that I couldn't shift into any gear. Ended up disconnecting it and manually engaging the trans in 3rd gear and drove to the shop that way.

Despite the foregoing, it is also conceivable that the trans has been damaged or worn so that you have both a sloppy shifter and a sloppy transmission. Remember, you have the shift platform with its bushings that attach to the trans AND the shifter itself. Either or both can cause problems shifting or keeping the trans in gear.