hi all,

I need to replace the bushing for my shifter cable.

I have the truck as follows. How do I remove the rest of this to get down to the end of the cable to re-attach it?

http://www.aaronheck.com/pics/4runner_shifter.jpg

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Check out the thread below, it explains how to take apart the setup for a floppy shifter issue. I think I recall reading about a pin similar to a nail that needs to be removed.

2003 T4R Floppy Shifter

Thanks - I see the shift lever lock pin. I don't think I have the corresponding nut that the diagram on page 1 shows. In either case, I can't seem to get that pin to move. I guess that's my next step but I'm not sure.

Funny, the bushingfix site says this is an easy job anyone can do in 5 min. Sad that I'm wondering if I'm going to have to get this truck towed to the mechanic to get this part put in.

Lots out there about floppy shifters and the like, not a lot about linkage to the shifter. Instead of creating a new thread figure better to revive this one and include some details.

See photos for some details that can help in the floppy shifter discussions or other edumacation for the curious at heart.

In the end my problem was that the transmission linkage cable had come off of the shifter. After removing the assembly from inside the console, found the plastic bushing remnants in the bottom. (It wasn't necessary to remove it, I was just curious how far I'd go and what all I could find).

Toyota does not and would not sell the retainer bushing-- it's part of the entire cable assembly for $280! Automotive stores have some general ones and the guy told me to come on in and we'd see what may or may not fit... but almost all of them were for American vehicles. I had no problem doing that, but it was a couple days til I could go. Zip-tied together in the meantime...

THEN :lightbulb: even simpler idea. I swung into ACE and sampled both tooth lock washers and push-washers. In the end I used a 3/8 starlock/push washer, and if that comes free, I'd switch to a spring washer next time.

My symptoms: Car was in 3rd for some reason (an automatic) and indicated so on the dash. Put it in neutral, still in 3rd... put it in reverse, still in 3rd... put it in park....still able to move in the parking lot.

Here's the dumb part... I decided to turn it off to see if it would reset! If you don't catch it, I did as SOON as I turned it off.... The vehicle won't start unless it's in P or N!!!!!!!! DAMN!

I've had alittle tranny hiccup for a while, and really thought, Oh fudge, this is it... Panic call to my motorhead buddy and we went straight to agreement.

My son and I sitting in the parking lot tried all kinds of fuse items and unplugging harnesses to see if we could get the vehicle to "not see" the transmission and be willing to turn on so I could drive the 2 miles home in 3rd.... no luck (duh).

After an hour and a half, including rocking the car to see if I could get some solenoids to let go, getting my wife to bring my tools and giving some swift bangs along the tranny case (I'm sure it laughed well at the idiotic attempt), I decided to get it towed and let it cool down and maybe just cooling would allow a stuck solenoid to release.... IF indeed that was the problem (the better of problems than the transmission).

While waiting for the tow truck I thought, uh, let me see if I can figure anything out in the shifter.... Having never been inside one before. After wrestling with the console for 20 minutes figuring out where the releases were, pulled it off and within seconds noticed the arm end of the cable just flopped down. How ecstatic I was!!!! (I hoped).....

Sure enough, that was the issue.

Hooked it back on, drove home, and for a day kept reattaching it til I considered zip-tying it.... and now 68 cents later, it's all done!

I hope this helps somebody in some fashion, whether this problem or any other where the pictures answer some questions!

(not quite sure how to embed images between text.... or I'd explain them better)
In order
Shift assembly full view
Linkage detatched
Linkage in proper place (no retainer)
Linkage zip tied
Retainer bushing pieces
REST OF PHOTOS FOR HELP WITH GUIDE PIN AND TRACK THAT SEEMS TO TROUBLE OTHERS IN MANY OTHER THREADS
Guide pin
Guide pin in its seat
Track for guide pin

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Just an FYI on starting the engine if this happen again, at the front of the shifter housing near the drink holder there's a little tiny square "door", flip the door open and insert a small screwdriver or pin knife and push down then start the engine, that is a bypass for the neutral safety switch and is there for just for the issue you had or similar issue where it won't go into neutral or park.

Thanks @AuSeeker . As far as I've experienced the neutral safety allows the shifter to be moved with no key activation and put the trans into neutral position, but doesn't allow the vehicle to be started with the transmission itself in position. At least not in any of the vehicles I've ever tried to move off a roadway. I'll keep trying it when I come across it and see what happens. Would be like starting a manual in gear without having the clutch in wouldn't it?

This reminds me I zip tied mine last year and I should go in there and make sure it's not starting to come apart. The only other solution for a bushing source would be a trial and error process with McMaster Carr.
A good hardware or parts store would be more convenient. But yea, $280 for the shifter cable? BS. I love Toyota but they are damn proud of some of their parts.

This bushing kit fits 4th and 5th gen 4Runners and it seems several other Toyotas and other vehicles, but looking at the price they are very proud of this kit.

Shop Toyota 4Runner Shift Cable Bushing Kit Online

That's a good find Skip! For some people by the time they try several bushings and make multiple trips to a hardware or parts store, or spend a good bit of time sourcing on the internet? $25 don't sound too bad. It appears to be self locking as well. Which any other style bushing, you may have to find a cir clip to make it work properly.
Thank you Sir!!

Posted my findings and zip tie temp fix, but not my 25cent solution!

Either style will work.

5 months later and working just dandy!

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I had this exact issue happen to me 3 days ago. Thank you for this post it helped me with my shifter cable!!

Shop Toyota 4Runner Shift Cable Bushing Kit Online

This link has all the bushings as well. Supposed to be a better material so it will last longer. Haven't had to do it yet myself.