Help! 1987 4+3 manual trans wont go into 3rd or 4th gear

[canoeguy85]

Good morning
As stated my 4+3 wont go into 3rd or 4th gear.. Started by going into 3 hard but that only lasted for a few shifts, then it wouldn't go at all
Appears to be a gate issue on the shifter (I hope). I can not figure out how to get the shifter out of the car without the use of a sawzall and a cutting torch

1) has anybody experienced this?
2) Im new to this vette thing (3 mo.and only 3000 miles), is this common?
3) How do I get the *#!n thing out?

Thank you in advanced
Brian

 

[Hib Halverson]

1) I recommend against using a Sawzall or the flaming hack saw.
2) I suggest buying a copy of the Factory Service Manual. It contains instructions on how to service the shifter.

 

[DaveP85C4]

The OP will never be back or see this, but here's my guess as it happened to me: The adjusting nuts on the 3-4 rod at the transmission lever have gotten loose and the shifter won't "gate" into the 3-4 slot. It can all be fixed from under the car as long as the exhaust is cool. Been there, done it.

 

[canoeguy85]

The OP will never be back or see this, but here's my guess as it happened to me: The adjusting nuts on the 3-4 rod at the transmission lever have gotten loose and the shifter won't "gate" into the 3-4 slot. It can all be fixed from under the car as long as the exhaust is cool. Been there, done it.

Turned out to be a small loose screw had fallen into the base of the shifting lever preventing it from going over to the 3rd and forth slot. 5 minuted to fix it, hours to get to it and reassemble