Carrier gearbox problem - any advice?

[Tom Millward]

Thanks for all the input guys. I’ve had a look at all the linkages, there is indeed a nut missing from the back half of the gear selector rod. The front joint looks to be adjustable, as it is secured together with a clamp rather than a bolt. I guess the bolts at both ends, as per the drawings, were a later modification to the Mk2 design? Mine is a 42 Mk1*.

However, my main issue seems to be that then gear selector lever on the top of the gearbox doesn’t freely move across the neutral gate. When it comes into line with the 1st/2nd gate it seems to stop short and needs a further push to get into line, as if it is moving across a detente pin. The force required is more than can be done with the gear lever at the drivers position.

Can anyone elaborate what the stiffener modification is to the gear shifter guide bracket?