Muncie 4sp linkage adjust tool question

[Gary K.]

My '68 4sp is getting stuck, having to drive home in traffic stuck in 4th is no fun. I plan on adjusting linkage, it looks & feels out. Researched the messages and have a good idea about the adjust tool procedure, just a couple questions:

It's tight under there, dual exhaust tubes in way, etc. Before I get the jack stands out and start this job which way is correct to attack this problem, from the top or from the bottom? Once the tool is inserted into the slot I want to know if anyone has any insights for the adjustments itself. It looks like I can get in from the top - has anyone done it like this. Thank You.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Muncie 4sp linkage adjust tool question

I did it last week on my friend's 72, but the car was on a lift. And, I did not use the tool.

Using a light from below, I could see the slot where the tool "should" go, and adjusted the 3/4 lever to match the slot as it's right next to the slot. I then followed with the 1/2 and reverse. For me, it was actually easier than trying to jam the alignment tool into that slot and then figure it out.

Patrick

[Jim T.]

Re: Muncie 4sp linkage adjust tool question

If your shifter has not been removed and cleaned and lubricated, this would make a difference. My shifter has not been adjusted in 42 years on my 68 327/350. Just cleaned and lubricated.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Muncie 4sp linkage adjust tool question

The correct way is from the bottom. many ways to skin a cat but I have adjusted these since the first 4 speed came out.
First I remove the 9/16 nuts from the shifter arms then slide the arms off the rectangle they are on.

Using a cressent wrench you can feel that 1&2 - 3&4 and reverse are in their detent. turn the tail shaft to make sure you are in neutral.

Insert the tool that puts the shifter in neutral.

Then adjust the shifter arms to slide back on the rectangle seats that they were on and put the nuts back on and the rest is history.

one thing is to check that the trans is in neutral after you are done because when you tighten reverse you can accidently shift the trans in reverse without the shifter and find that when you try for a forward gear the trans is locked up.
that was a dirty trick that was done in the old days to the bad boys. If they gave it to much power trying to free it they would pop the reverse idler. One could lay next to the car and reach under and click the trans in reverse in a few seconds and the shifter on top would not move. The trans was LOCKED.
Of coarse I never did that.

DOM

[Michael M.]

Re: Muncie 4sp linkage adjust tool question

I have a lift in my garage and even with a lift, I find it difficult/tedious to work the tool into the shifter slot. I use a pair of hemostats to hold the tool and get it into place. I have tried to insert it from inside the car by removing the lower shift boot and was not able to do it. I think you have to bite the bullet, remove the left side intermediate pipe and work it from underneath.

[Gary K.]

Thanks for your insights...

Thanks guys - I know you've saved me time energy and frustration under there!