Column shifter slides around? Help needed.
 

I have a '70 C-10 w/ a sbc & Th-350. I know I have a lot of slop in my shifter. The other day I was crusing about 65mph when I ever so slightly bumped the shifter & dropped it into 2nd gear (4.11 rear end). Needless to say, it screamed & whined.

Is the shifter supposed to just slide around, or are there little notches like on most modern cars? How would I go about replacing these?

My truck now makes a rumbling type noise at lower rpm's. It kinda sound like you just blew a tire, or you're driving on the shoulder. It sounds like its from the tranny area. :( Any idea what I might have killed/knocked out of whack.

Thanks Guys.

John

Try getting the bearing on the linkage replaced. That might help with the feel, but if it doesn't solve the problem, it will at least solve a potential one.

Which bearing are you speaking of?

I am wondering if it may have something to do w/ something in the steering column. You know how you have to pull the shifter forward & then slide the shifter up or down. Well, i don't have to do that. Any suggestions?

Anyone know where I can find the previously specified bearing?

A couple of things come to mind: (1) Under the hood, on the column, look for the rod that goes to the transmission. Where it is attached to the column, it goes through a "keeper" that has a compression fit. There is a screw on it that has to be tight, to keep the shifter from doing nothing. Had one that worked loose. Truck was in gear, and the shifter couldn't change it. Screw had loosened up. Placed truck in neutral (manually) and aligned the indicator to show neutral, then tightened it up (you'll need someone to help).
(2) At the transmission, there is a part that is U-shaped (allow a little leeway with the description). It is moved when you select a gear position. It then works an iron piece. The piece that is made from iron will eventually wear into the U-shaped piece, making gear selection vague.The GM part number is: 3904770. It is actually called a shaft. The group number is: 4.040. In the past, people at transmission shops have told me that you can't get them anymore and you can braze them the worn places to tighten up the shifter. But, check with your local dealer and give 'em that part number to see if it is still good. I replaced mine, several years ago, and I have a spare. They may be different for TH350's and TH400's....I don't know for sure. I have a TH400 in my truck.