FJ62 shifter linkage fell into tunnel

[thisisjuan]

I was working on replacing the shifter bushings on my 62 (complete noob here, my first 62 and my first attempt at replacing bushings ever). It was all going fine until I removed the 19mm nut, I had to get that linkage part that comes in from under out of the way in order to remove the 19mm, and when I did it went right into the tunnel and now I can't get it out. What's the best way to fish this thing back out or push it back in so I can reassemble my shifter? Thanks for any help!

 

[dbbowen]

take the shifter base off and feed the linkage up from the bottom?

 

[thisisjuan]

Crawled under the car and found it under there. Fed it right back in and went back to work. Then it fell back again lol. At least I know how to get it now.

 

[Hammer45]

Good job. Break it then fix it. That’s how I do it. Nice to have that rattling shifter fixed. Then in a couple of yrs you will swap in a manual transmission and wonder why you did all that work the first time….

 

[thisisjuan]

Good job. Break it then fix it. That’s how I do it. Nice to have that rattling shifter fixed. Then in a couple of yrs you will swap in a manual transmission and wonder why you did all that work the first time….

Hahaha best way to learn I guess. I’m actually in an automatic tranny era. Every other classic I own is from the 60s (including my 67 VW bus in the pic below), manual and with no AC. I can’t tell you how luxurious this 62 feels to me.
Incidentally, this is what I pulled out of where the shifter bushings go. Now it’s firm and good as new! Next task: replace driver side window motor.

 

[Hammer45]

I fixed my shifter bushings several years ago and now it’s sitting in a pile with the rest of my automatic transmission parts waiting for the H55 swap. Keep up the good work!