[DeTomaso] Another ZF issue

[Thomas Borcich]

OK, I guess I'm not the only one with quirky problems with the ZF. Hopefully my issue is related to shifter adjustment.  Just purchased #4382, a 72L with 27,500 miles on it.  It has the "-2 gear box" and has not been driven in 10 years, only to and from the mechanics shop who rebuilt the motor which accounts for less than 10 miles and never reached any speeds appropriate for 5th gear during the drive home. Prior to that no problems with the gear box.  I tried to shift into 5th gear over the weekend and I got a clunking noise that pushes back into the shifter handle...it is a consistent clunking noise that moves the shifter handle. It appears that I get 5th gear and can hear the motor drop rpm's, but the clunking sound continues and forces you to pull it out of gear for fear of doing damage to the ZF.  I have drained the gear oil and refilled and found no chunks of metal, actually pretty clean. All other gears shift and operate well. I did notice that there is a slight bend in the linkage which gives the linkage a bow, so I need to replace a short length of the linkage to cure that issue. Any thoughts or similar issues?

I spoke to Mad Dog Antenucci who mentioned the trunion bearing/support may need replacing, (just as a normal part of maintenance if nothing else). I have been told that you can replace it with a metal Hiem joint affair rather than the rubber bushing and you get a more direct feel from the shifter linkage, any comments?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions

Best regards,

Tom Borcich
Seal Beach, CA