'63 4 speed shifter pops out of gear

[Jeff Debs]

Hello all,
My restored '63 4-speed has a Hurst shifter that pops out of gear only while in 1st or 2nd gear when not under a load. For example,..I'm in 3rd gear, downshift to 2nd,..drive in 2nd for 20, 50, 100 feet, the distance doesn't really matter,..I let up on the accelerator and... POP!..the shifter pops out of gear UNLESS I'm holding it with pressure into the gear. This will also happen on an upshift from 1st to 2nd and then letting up on the pedal.
This only happens while in 1st or 2nd gear. I was previously told that the shifter's throw distance needed to be let out more by loosening the hex nut at the base of the shifter from inside the car with all of the trim and boot removed. I did this a fair amount and it still happens.
What needs to be done to correct this,..and is it totally correctable with this or any other shifter?
Thanks,
JD

[Stephen L.]

Re: '63 4 speed shifter pops out of gear

This sounds like a misajusted shift linkage......typical of gears that have not "meshed" completely.
Some thoughts....
1. Did you try to readjust the linkage per the service manual?
2. Did you disconnect the shift rods from the shift arms on the transmission to see if there is additional travel of the arm beyond what the linkage rod will allow when going into gear?
3. Is there an adjustment on the shifter that limits the "throw" (how far the shift crank arm can move...not the length of the rod) that is not allowing full travel for item 2?
Lastly......
4. Are the gearteeth in good shape?

Good luck

[Ed Jennings]

Re: '63 4 speed shifter pops out of gear

To properly adjust the shifter you need to get the shifter in neutral and the shift levers on the trans in neutral, then make the rods the right length to fit. I believe the hurst has a hole to line up the shifter in neutral and a pin to go through it.
Once the shifter is properly adjusted, if the problem persists you have a problem with the syncros or bearings in the trans, or possibly the shift forks are worn.

[Patrick H.]

Re: '63 4 speed shifter pops out of gear

Sounds typical of worn synchros to me. I test drove a 1969 in FL that did the same thing. The guy took the trans out after my visit -> worn synchros as we expected.

Patrick

[Dave Ashburn]

Re: '63 4 speed shifter pops out of gear

I had the same exact problem with my 66, I rebuilt the transmission and as expected it was the synchros. Good luck Dave

[Peter Ansted - #32760]

Re: '63 4 speed shifter pops out of gear

Joe - I had bad synchros in my '63. The tranny stayed in gear, but did not allow smooth downshifts. I decided to replace the entire assembly for the 1st / 2nd gear as well as the 3rd / 4th gear. I was fortunate to find a repair shop that stocked original GM synchro assemblies - much better quality at the same price - $135 each assembly. D+L Transmissions, 631-351-4837.