[MunchE]

My FMX as far as I know has never been rebuilt, and the stock shifter has a lot of play in it. When I put it down to 1, the button never clicks out all the way, and I can just press it from 1-2-D-N without holding the button.

Worse still, when I was on it full throttle, I went to go from 1-2, and it just jarred to a stop. First I thought I was a bonehead and jammed it up into reverse with big monkey hands. So i tried it again, this time being very gentle. Same thing!

I have tried going 2-1 and 1-2 at lower speeds/RPMs and it seems fine, if a bit touchy and hard to shift. But the vagueness and the problem going 1-2 mean I can't get the thing the manually shift at all. Considering in automatic mode it shifts 1000 RPM shy of my peak power, this is definitely Not Good™. What could be causing this? I would like to stick with the FMX, just to dare to be different (plus I spent $200 on a stall) but all of this crap is making me think I should just drop the dough and swap a C4 with a B&M shifter and call it a day.

Anyone have any advice? What could be causing these shifter problems?

 

[67Coug]

Start with the worn out shifter and replace it with the B & M shifter which will work on the FMX just as well as on a C4. With all the slop you have now you could be hanging the manual valve between the detents and applying two gears at once.

 

[MunchE]

A C4 application shifter will work on the FMX? I was under the impression there was some difference that kept them from working, otherwise the manufs. would list the FMX application as well. If they'll fit then that might be a novel solution.

 

[MHumpy]

In stock applications, factory shifters are different. The C4 has it's neutral safety switch on the side of the case, the FMX is inside the shifter assembly. Aftermarket shifters use a different style of neutral safety switches so they can be effectively used on multiple applications.
From what you are describing, it does sound like the bushing in the shifter is gone...look through the Mustang catalogs and get the shifter rebuild kit, it will tighten it up and hopefully take care of that problem. My Cougar had the same problem, and actually had a very unsafe amount of side to side travel...so much to the point where the detent wouldn't engage properly at all. The kit made a big difference.
If you should decide to go with an aftermarket unit, B&M is good, and so is Lokar (plus Lokar has some really cool looking shifters too...and in different heights too)
Good luck!
Mike