Lessons learned while changing shift rail plugs

[Brian1]

As many of you may know, the manual transmissions have rubber plugs in the shift rails that need to be replaced when you get transmission oil spots in the driveway. I took on the task of changing the plugs on my 91 Explorer and I ran into a few other things while changing the three plugs. First, I searched this site and found nothing. This is why I am posting this. Second, I printed out the instructions. Following the directions, I removed everything. I found it easier to remove the shifter to pull the carpet back. Only 3 extra screws. Am I glad that I did! Anyway, I took out the old plugs and put the new metal plugs in. After doing this, I replaced the shifter bushings. The rubber bushing where the ball (not the knob) of the shifter moves around was in a million pieces. I had to replace that being careful not to drop any pieces into the tranny. I also found that the rubber seal of the plate that the shifter screws to the transmission with was cracked. This is a Ford only part. I replaced that then put everything back together. While I had the carpet pulled back and the console removed, I ran 2- 14ga. wires to the center console for future 12-volt use.

 

[mattZ]

Where did you get our plugs from? Also, this is for the M50D (I think that's the name, still learning) trans, right?

 

[rb142]

Dorman 555-108 plugs are the right size for the M5OD-R1.

 

[mattZ]

Thanks for the response! I realize this topic is ancient. Haha