I recently bought a manual 96 civic dx. The shifter is incredibly loose when I am in gear. It will move side to side similar to being in neutral. It doesn't come out of gear or slip at all. I have heard that this is a common problem with civics and is an easy fix. What parts are most likely worn out? If I am going to fix it would putting in a short shifter while I am at it be a good thing to do? If so what short shifter would be best? The car is stock and I don't plan on doing any real modding. I just like the idea of shorter shifts. Thanks to anybody who can help.

 

Shifter bushing are probably beat and shift linkage connections are probably loose. $30 and 20 minutes to fix. Just take apart the shift linkage, pop out the old bushings, pop in the new ones, and tighten everything down nice and good.

 

ya dito 2 things to try, some urethane bushings for the shifter. and if that doesnt help them your linkage joint might be worn OR previous owner cut it away like mine was.LOL

so i had to replace my shiftage linkage rod.
the joint at the tranny has a rivet thru some plastic bushings, and previous owner cut the rivot off to remove the linkage instead of poping the retainer pin out of it!
heres my pictures of my swap when i did both. but your might just need new shifter bushings. the rod might not be needed.
http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e2...ift%20linkage/

here was my specific problem from previous IDIOT OWNER! and that joint SHOULD NOT COME APART.LOL