Good Morning,
I have a 1974 142 4 speed.
The snap ring that holds the shifter into the box vibrates at high speeds.
I removed the snap ring and pulled out the shifter.
The end is bare metal except for a smal BB sized chrome ball that seesm to want to fall out.
The M-40 shifts fine, albeit first gear synchro is almost gone causing a near stop to get it into first, but other than that is sounds and pulls well. Very tight and crisp.
Is'nt there supposed to be some type of nylon / plastic bushing at the end of the shifter?
Is that little ball supposed to be just sitting there ready to fall into all those meshing gears??

Thanks for the help. This is a great car I'm having a blast. The Kjet is sorted and aux gauges have been installed.

Thanks for any help.