Shift rod bushing

[IHC]

How hard is it to change the shift rod bushing in the Thing compared to the Beetle? How long should the job take ?

[mondshine]

This job is no fun, but it is much simpler on a Thing (than on a Beetle) because the body does not interfere with the forward travel of the shift rod.
You will need to remove the cover plate at the front of the tunnel (and the rear coupling of course), but that's about it.
I recommend removing the shift rod completely so it can be thoroughly cleaned to prevent rust and dirt from gaffing up your new plastic bushing.
I get the shift rod "started" through the greased bushing, then apply grease to the (clean and dry) shift rod through the shifter opening a little at a time while pushing the rod through the bushing toward the rear. Doing it this way prevents fresh grease from picking up dirt from inside the tunnel before it goes through the bushing.
Depending on your dexterity, and how much time you spend cleaning the shift rod, you can do this in less than 2 hours.
Good luck, Mondshine

[IHC]

Thanks. Will try it next weekend.Mine has a Thing Shop front skid plate which I will probsbly have to remove.

[mondshine]

Probably...
No good deed goes unpunished!