66 Muncie Tech question

[Jim S.]

While installing my new shifter on my rebuilt Muncie I noticed that the shift levers are somewhat sloppy on the shaft. After tightening them up with the nut and washers they seem fine. but I am now wondering if I shouldn't shim them up a bit . In other words make the shift levers so firm that the nut is only there to hold them on , not firm them up as well ?
That is my first reaction as it seems correct , but want to make sure a little slop or give isn't built into the system for a reason .
For you really tech minded guys : "SLOP" means I can insert , albeit with much force , a .015 feeler gauge tip into the slot of the shift lever after it is all the way on the shaft .Having never worked on a muncie before , I have no idea if this is good , fair or excessive
　
Thanks
Jim

[Gene M.]

Re: 66 Muncie Tech question

Jim,
The flats on the shift arms and slots in the levers should fit like line to line, no clearance nor slop. I just installed one of mine yesterday so it is fresh in my mind. Slop here is just asking for issues down the road.

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 Muncie Tech question

Thanks Gene . That is what I figured , but wanted to make sure . I will buy another set of levers , but I suspect the issue lies within the shift arms . So a little shimming is in order ! Jim

[William C.]

Re: 66 Muncie Tech question

Original shift arms were machined to match the thickness of the levers. I'd look at the levers unless you know of an issue with the arms. They are usually pretty indestructible. I'm assuming that by arms you mean the part that goes thru the sidecover, and levers is what attaches to the arms...

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 Muncie Tech question

Bill, Yes, That is exactly what I mean. As I said, I will purchase some new Levers today and see if they are a better fit then the ones I have . I already paid $400 to have the Tranny rebuilt , so you are probably correct in that the Levers are the problem and are somewhat rounded out . Jim