Transmission shifting mechanism and force attenuator therefor

An X-Y shifting mechanism (25) is disclosed for controlling the shifting of a shift rail (17) in a first (Y-Y) transverse direction. The mechanism includes a shift finger assembly (39) including a shift finger (23). A lever member (57) is pivotable about the axis (A) of rotation. When the lever member (57) is pivoted, the movement is transmitted through a spring (91) to rotate a spring seat member (73), thus causing pivotal movement of the shift finger (23). During a non-synchronous engagement, kick-out movement causes pivotal movement of the shift finger in the opposite direction, compressing the spring (91) rather than damaging the shifting mechanism. The disclosed mechanism also enables preselection of neutral, compressing the appropriate one of the springs (91), such that the preloaded spring will move the shift finger and shift rail to the neutral position as soon as a torque break occurs.