Abstract: A shift lever including first and second elongated parts includes an improved vibration dampening coupling between the two parts. The coupling enhances the rigidity between the parts under conditions of hard or forceful shift, wherein radial loads normally imparted to elastomer bushings are supported by thermoplastic load-bearing elements positioned adjacent the bushings. In a preferred form, the shift lever includes a first elongated portion and a second hollow body portion secured partially over one end of the first portion. In the preferred form, the elastomer as well as the thermoplastic elements are each defined by an annulus, and while the elastomer elements are adhesively bonded between the first and second parts of the shift lever, the thermoplastic load-bearing elements, which operate to limit deflection of the elastomer elements, are fixed only to one of the shift lever parts.