Russ, It’s been a long time since I posted on this forum (anywhere). I am getting my truck ready to sell (it’s time). I still have a problem with the column shifter hanging up in 2nd-3rd gear. I have read the Service Manual dealing with the spacing between the steering wheel and the shifter, but how doe that relate to the position of the column shifter housing? Is the a specification for the distance from the housing to the firewall? and how does that relate to the shifting and the transmission rods? I may be using incorrect terminology here on parts?? I know this is a common problem, but I have yet to hear a “final solution “.
I am getting a little dismayed at the lack of response on this forum. Is anyone still alive and kicking?? The diagrams in the Assembly Manual are very vague and conflicting. There MUST be some solution to the transmission locking up into 2nd gear?? I can't help but think the pivot on the bell housing is the key and how the (crank) pivot is mounted as a starting position when the shifting rods are connected. I am going to repost this on some of the more recent posts just to get a reply, Greg
Hi Greg ; I too miss the old days when many more were here . As far as your shifting issue, jack up and safely block the rear wheels off the ground and slide underneath the truck, look at the two bent round steel shift rods where they attach to the tranny . There's supposed to be a rubber bushing that holds each rod firmly yet allows the twisting motion fore and aft . If they're floppy up and down when you touch them no other repairs can be done before correcting this . New bushings are available but the old Farm Fix was a couple sleeves made of hard plastic or nylon pipe, trimmed short then placed in the center of the tranny's shift arm, then some super thin flat washers are used on each end then lastly the cotter pins or clips depending on the year . Once this is done go under the hood and disconnect the rods at the steering column's shift box, go in the cab and position the shift lever in neutral, this being *exactly* horizontal then block it there, how depends on your ingenuity . Now, go back under the hood and align the shift rods so they're dead center where they enter the shift box's arms . The shift rods oops ~ I'm getting kicked out, more later
Okay, where were we ? . Basically you first have to make the necessary repairs / modifications so the shift rods are not floppy at either end then you prop the shift lever in the cab horizontal then you adjust the rods so when you offer their ends up they're *exactly* centered into the hole . Once all this is done you may move on to the shift box itself, often the center piece is worn, occasionally new ones show up on E-Bay etc. or you can have competent welder build them up a bit then carefully file until the surfaces are where you want them . In most cases simply fixing the rods so they're no longer floppy then learning how to "Square Shift" (search older posts) will make it all work . I'm assuming here your problem is when you're trying to shift into third gear the lever moves but the tranny remains in second gear ? .
