# 98 Jeep Wrangler auto linkage

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-jeep-wrangler-auto-linkage/95863>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** wrangler, jeep\
**Created:** [September 27, 2016, 11:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-jeep-wrangler-auto-linkage/95863 "2016-09-27T11:29:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![badbearing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/badbearing/32/10683_2.png) [@badbearing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/badbearing)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2016, 11:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-jeep-wrangler-auto-linkage/95863/1 "2016-09-27T11:29:31Z")

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My linkage in 98 Jeep Wrangler it out of adjustment. I have to go into 2nd gear then up to drive to get into drive.  
I can’t find any way to adjust it or what is actually wrong…

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**Author:** ![badbearing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/badbearing/32/10683_2.png) [@badbearing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/badbearing)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2016, 12:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-jeep-wrangler-auto-linkage/95863/2 "2016-09-27T12:26:55Z")

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I’ve been driving it like this for almost 2yrs. The other day it came out of park so I decided it’s time…

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**Author:** ![insightful](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/insightful/32/2732_2.png) [@insightful](https://community.cartalk.com/u/insightful)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2016, 4:18pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-jeep-wrangler-auto-linkage/95863/3 "2016-09-27T16:18:22Z")

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Have you checked the bushing at the end of the shift cable where it attaches to the lever at the transmission?

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**Author:** ![badbearing](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/badbearing/32/10683_2.png) [@badbearing](https://community.cartalk.com/u/badbearing)\
**Post date:** [September 27, 2016, 4:54pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-jeep-wrangler-auto-linkage/95863/4 "2016-09-27T16:54:08Z")

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I did read that online and I think I looked right at it but not sure. I will double check it. Thank you

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**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\
**Post date:** [September 28, 2016, 1:34am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/98-jeep-wrangler-auto-linkage/95863/5 "2016-09-28T01:34:54Z")

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Follow the linkage visually as best you can from the shift lever all the way to the transmission lever. Something may be loose along that path,lock nut came loose, worn bushing, etc. That would be a good time to make sure the entire path is clean of gunk and properly lubed.

If that all looks good, there’s often plastic gadgets in the shift column that can get out of whack. My own truck’s transmission linkage has never needed an adjustment. If it did I’d follow exactly the Ford procedure per the service manual. It involves placing precisely sized drill bits through index holes to set the linkage, then tightening the fasteners to set it in place.