1948 GMC 3 speed column shift box problem

Discussion in '1947-1954' started by 48gmc, Nov 10, 2013.

  1. 48gmc

    48gmc Member

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    Thanks for membership. I have a 1948 GMC panel truck. The other day I went to shift into 2nd gear, and the shifter went limp. No 2nd or 3rd gear. 1st and reverse are OK.

    The lever does not move in order to push the linkage arm. I am not seeing any broken steel or loose parts anywhere in the gear cup. The transmission is OK, I can move the lever manually to engage the gears. I even start the truck in 2nd and 3rd gear just to make sure. They're fine.

    I've had this truck for 25 years, this is the first time I've encountered this.

    Anyone ever had this happen?

    YouTube video below showing what's happening
    Thanks in advance

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El5A72qEGJI
     
  2. DeadZoneTruckin

    DeadZoneTruckin Member

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    After our conversations yesterday... you got me stumped also Ray... but it looks like the shifter fork in the box is stripped on the shaft.
     
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2013
  3. coralhead

    coralhead Member

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    Not sure how that fork is attached but agree w/Joe on that. The fork may have sheared a few small welds on the bushing that actuates the shift rod lever. May look at how the 1st/R fork is attached to its shift arm. May just have to disassemble the rest of the way and have it rewelded or clean it up from the grease, make sure you are in N and put a small tack weld between the shift for and the bushing to tie the two back together and then try it. My .04 worth from looking at the video.
     
    Last edited: Nov 12, 2013
  4. 48gmc

    48gmc Member

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    Took the lever off and found a thin brass bushing that was ground down on the shaft itself. Apparently these were pressed on, and the 'fork' just came loose.

    Going to have it welded tomorrow. Thanks guys.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. coralhead

    coralhead Member

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    make sure the fork is clocked to the arm (anglewise) before you have it welded. Glad it can be repaired.
     
  6. RustyDog

    RustyDog Member

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    I am surprised that these guys gave you some advice without asking for pictures. I was under the impression that pictures were a requirement, if not mandatory.
    Would love to see your 48. Mine is going to get blasted next week. Then the real work begins...
     
  7. ol' chebby

    ol' chebby Member

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    They ARE a requirement.......we all like to look at the pitchers.....

    The 41 F**d is being blasted now.

    Refer to the thread at the top of the forum regularly after the blasting!
     
  8. 48gmc

    48gmc Member

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    Did you not see my video link..?
     
  9. DeadZoneTruckin

    DeadZoneTruckin Member

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    ...........:rolleyes:
     
  10. 48gmc

    48gmc Member

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    Update:

    Had the lever and fork welded today, and it all works fine now.

    Thanks coralhead and Joe!
     
  11. coralhead

    coralhead Member

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    I'm a mechanical engineer and spend my days troubleshooting electronic connector assembly machines. I like the moving pitchers. Glad to be of help.
     
  12. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    Welcome aboard enjoy the ride while here. Got any photos beside the wheel from your moniker?
     
  13. DeadZoneTruckin

    DeadZoneTruckin Member

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    Here is Rays Truck :D

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iguUFL-YWFc

    Everyone in Tucson knows it as the panel van with the barbed wire rear windows .:D









    .
     
    Last edited: Nov 15, 2013
  14. ccharr

    ccharr Member

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    Thanks Joe,
    That is a Great looking Panel, I really like the looks of it.
     
  15. coralhead

    coralhead Member

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    Same here........
     

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