Shift linkage vs transmission?

[Roger G.]

I have been having some problems shifting, and not sure if it related to the transmission or shift linkage. First let me say that the motor and transmission were rebuilt 6 months ago...the transmission was taken to a SoCal shop run by a greybeard who has years of experience working on muncies. I was told by him that the transmission gears were in good shape and that he changed out the bearings... In fact he said he would have no problem driving the car all the way to New York .

so the problem is that it is difficult to get into gear on occasion ....it doesn't happen all the time, but seems to happen after parking a while with it in reverse....then backing up.... The shifter will refuse to go into first.... It just kind of locks up After working it around it will finally go in.... Yesterday this happened and it felt like it was in first.....but was in neutral when I released the clutch... This was a litlle scary,but after working it some more, it finally got into gear. FWIW... It shifts great through all gears once the car gets going.

Also, it was set up in short throw when I bought it.... And I had the builder put it back in long throw when the tranny went back in.....also the problem seem to get worse when the antilock cable was installed,


Any ideas? I sure am not looking on pulling the transmission :

[Gary H.]

Re: Shift linkage vs transmission?

Some of the linkage might need to be adjusted after going from the short to the long throw. You should probably get underneath it and spray some lubricant on the levers. Try to push over towards reverse and up into first the next time you shift, if this makes it easier you need to adjust.

I also have a slight issue at times getting into reverse. I got into the habit of shutting down, going from 1st into 2nd and back again before going into reverse.

[Duke W.]

Re: Shift linkage vs transmission?

It's most likely a simple linkage adjustment issue, especially since you converted back to standard throw from short throw. Converting either way usually requires adjustment.

Info is in your CSM.

Duke