I have a 1990, Trail Boss 250 that has quite a bit of slop in the shift linkage. Stopped by the local Polaris dealer today asking for a price for new shift linkage rod ends. Would you believe they want $50.00 for the pair? (right and left hand threaded)

Anyone got any suggestions towards lower cost rod ends?

 

Are you certain the slop is in the ends?

 

Yes, there is a small amount of slop in the rod ends.

My reason for wanting to change the rod ends is......When I shift from reverse to forward (or vice/versa), while under power and moving forward, the machine drops out of gear. My first attempt to resolve the problem was to adjust the shift lever arm so it is centered when in "neutral" (with the engine running). With the shift lever "centered", I still have a degree of "slop" in the rod ends.

I can reduce the problem of jumping out of gear by pressing and holding the brake pedal tightly when shifting into reverse or forward. That seems to reduce the problem of jumping out of gear. (It does NOT however, fix it all together).

Got any suggestions on how to fix the problem once and for all? (Short of selling my machine)