shifter very sloppy

[shiky]

hello everyone just purchased a 55 morris minor and have a million questions,mind my language on here if you don't understand some parts i might pronounce different from you guys across the pond.i am starting with a very loose shifter where it has a lot of play sideways. one other major problem i have is a very shaky steering wheel at about 40mph.now a buddy following me told me my rear wheel might be bent for it is wobbling a little.would this bent rim cause the shake in the steering wheel,thanks

[bmcecosse]

The shaking will not be helped by a bent wheel -fit the spare. Otherwise it can be out of balance front wheels/worn suspension bushes/poor dampers (drain and fill with sae 40 oil) and worn track rod ends - or steering rack. A good overhaul of the front suspension will be a good idea...

[shiky]

thanks for the info i will start with the dampers just have to figure out where they are.through this forum i already found out my minor has a 1275 engine from a sprite so i guess it has been swapped,thanks again

[IslipMinor]

1955 - although it has a 1275 engine, what sort of gearlever is fitted? A long type as in the original Series II, or the later shorter 'remote' type?

If the gearbox is a 'ribcase' type and is fitted with its standard remote housing AND a 948 gearlever, there will be a lot of slop. If this is the case, just fit a 1098 gearlever with a new plastic cup on the bottom, and all should be good.

Can you post of picture of the gearlever?

[shiky]

for some reason it won't upload any of my pictures on here.i do have the long stick shift

[bmcecosse]

You can then expect the 1275 engine to destroy that very weak gearbox ! Pictures - very simple - reduce to 600 x 400 before uploading.

[IslipMinor]

Check what gearbox you have. You will need to look underneath and see if someone has converted a ribcase box to the early 'wand' gear stick - not often done, but is possible.

If you have a smoothcase box, then its life is likely to be limited as the synchromesh mechanism is very weak.

Need to know exactly what you have before making any firm suggestions.

[Boomlander]

A smooth case box with long lever is like operating an umbrella in a bucket!
Takes time to get used to the position of the gears.