Manual shifter play not fixed after changing bushings.

Hey,
My 5 speed shifter is a little loose, figured it was simply the bushing on the end of the shifter and the seat, so I replaced those. No difference in looseness. Anybody else dealt with this? I can only find info about replacing the bushings to cure a loose shifter so I’m curious what else could be the issue. I have both excessive side-to-side and up and down play. When I first bought the truck, I’d accidentally start off in 3rd sometimes because the shifter is so loose that it will “catch” onto the notch for 3rd as you pull it towards you to go into 1st if you don’t have the shifter in the right spot.

Ideally I’d just swap out the shift lever for another one, but I have an S-Runner (V6 5 speed 5 lug) which uses a unique part number from any other Tacoma variations.

 

Have you messed with the adjustment rod? I had issues getting mine to spin but I eventually messed with it enough to resolve my clutch pedal play.

 

The issue I’m referring to is in the shift lever itself, the thing you grab to go to shift gears. I just had to replace my entire clutch pedal assembly due to the original spring bushings wearing out and allowing the spring to blow through the mounting bracket, so my clutch freeplay is within spec.

 

Not sure what they are called but check these things are still holding the shifter upright.
I’m pointing to them with the screwdriver.

 

Ah. Sounds like you need new shifter bushings. Take off the shifter covers and take a peak.

 

The hex headed spring loaded things on either side of the shifter housing. They look like knock sensors bolt in from either side of the shift lever housing. That's you problem probably

 

agree.....great eye

thats why those hex nuts are so big......to hold spring

 

The only reason I'm so sure of that is I'm tearing one apart to rebuild now.