l have a 1983 Mercury Capri that is in the shop the mechanic told me my cars done except a piece of plastic that the shifter rides on. Its some type of part that takes up slop and eliminated friction between 2 metal parts

The engine is a 2.3 lima non turbo the car model is a Mercury Capri L

There was two 4 speed manual transmissions used for 1983 and l am having trouble finding out any information about which one is mine. What l do know its its built like a T5 its aluminum it has a soft plug right behind the shifter housing and reverse is to the left and up compared to first.

''explanation'' first is left and up from neutraland reverse is the second left and up position from neutral,

It could be a German made transmission iv been told at advanced auto

any information is greatly appriciated

The only likely manual transmissions for that year would be the T-5 or its predecessor, the T-4.

its called an S-Rod transmission, very similar but not interchangeable with the T-5 without the correct bell housing.